Tower Hamlets Leisure Centre Staff Voice Concerns Over Safety and Working Conditions
Staff at leisure centres in Tower Hamlets have raised serious allegations regarding deteriorating facilities and dangerously understaffed operations, leading to cancelled swimming lessons and claims of being instructed to clean human waste without protective gear under threat of job loss. The situation has sparked a dispute between Unite the union and Tower Hamlets Council, highlighting what workers describe as a crisis in staffing across the borough's leisure services.
Allegations of Unsafe Practices and Understaffing
According to anonymous staff members, incidents have occurred where members of the public defecated in shower areas, and employees were told to clean it up without gloves or proper training, using their bare hands. Unite Regional Officer Danny Hoggan corroborated these claims, stating workers were asked to handle human excrement without protective equipment. However, Tower Hamlets Council denies these allegations, asserting that staff have never been asked to perform unsafe or inappropriate tasks and that all procedures were followed correctly.
The council took over leisure services from GLL in May 2024, operating seven facilities through its "Be Well" service, including John Orwell, Mile End Park Leisure Centre and Stadium, Poplar Baths, Tiller, Whitechapel, York Hall, and the under-redevelopment St George's. Staff across multiple sites report that facilities are "dangerously understaffed," with lifeguards experiencing fatigue and centres relying on "skeleton crews" that lead to risky "lone working" without management oversight.
Union Dispute and Industrial Action
Workers at the leisure centres are represented by three trade unions: Unison, GMB, and Unite. Unite members are currently in dispute with the council, with a recent industrial action ballot on February 25 showing a 64.71% turnout and 100% of voters in favor of strike action due to the reported issues. Unite alleges that staffing levels are "alarming and indefensible," with leisure centres operating on minimal shifts that compromise public safety and staff wellbeing.
In a letter to the council, Unite highlighted that the recruitment agency supplying much of the leisure workforce ceased operations with the council in November 2025, exacerbating staffing shortages. This has forced remaining staff to work excessively long hours and deny rest breaks, particularly affecting lifeguard and swim teaching roles. Staff also claim that annual leave for religious holidays, such as Ramadan, is being declined due to staff shortages.
Infrastructure and Pay Concerns
Additional grievances include infrastructure problems, such as a collapsing ceiling and a leak into the pool at Poplar Baths, though the council states the pool area was closed immediately when issues were identified, with contractors confirming the building is safe. Nearly two years after the council took over, staff allege they have not been transferred to better Tower Hamlets contracts, with many waiting months for correct pay or weekend enhancements. Some workers report waiting "six or seven months" to receive proper payment.
Unite's Danny Hoggan noted in a letter to Tower Hamlets Mayor Lutfur Rahman that many workers remain without secure contracts, and a two-tier workforce has emerged, undermining trust. The council responds that all base salary and hours worked have been paid as of the end of January, with weekend enhancements expected to be paid and backdated within a month.
Council Response and Ongoing Issues
A spokesperson for Tower Hamlets Council stated that leisure services were insourced to improve terms and conditions for workers, including better pay, annual leave, and pensions. Since the takeover, usage has increased by 14%, with over £6 million invested into services. The council acknowledges that organisational change can be challenging and is working to resolve the dispute with Unite, while maintaining that allegations are fully investigated through grievance and disciplinary procedures.
Despite these assurances, staff report that grievances are not taken seriously when raised with HR, indicating ongoing tensions. The council emphasizes its commitment to supporting staff and delivering a reliable, high-quality service for residents, but the dispute highlights significant concerns over safety, staffing, and working conditions in Tower Hamlets' leisure centres.
