A POPULAR town centre gym has come under fire after staff accused the company of intimidation and a lack of cleanliness.

A Facebook post by a member of staff who said he had been ‘forced’ into a contract with fewer hours by the DW Fitness Centre, on Bank Street, attracted hundreds of comments from former employees who felt badly treated by the company.

Simon Rawlins, 34, has worked as front of house staff at DW for seven years and was furious after he said managers called him into a room and reduced his contract to just eight hours a week.

He said: “I have seen many staff in tears. 

“They just take you into a little room and intimidate you. 

“They don’t give you any say in it (whether or not to sign the contract).

“I try to be a good member of staff. I was happy where I was, I like being with the members. 

“That’s what I enjoy about the job.

“But I can’t live on eight hours work a week. I have struggled for the past few years to get by. 

“I can’t afford any less hours.”

He said the company would not offer him any redundancy despite his many years of service and that they threatened to terminate his contract if he did not sign up for reduced hours.

“They make you feel worthless and replaceable,” he said.

“I have got seven years’ experience with the members, how can you replace that?”

Former staff and members of the gym threw their support behind Simon, with many of them complaining about the fitness centre being dirty and the treatment of staff.

Many more contacted the Warrington Guardian to share their disappointment with their treatment.

However they did not want to be named for fear of what might happen to their jobs or their contracts.

One person commented: “It was disgraceful when I was there. Had never been treated so badly before or since working for them.”

Another alleged former staff member said: “That’s why I left. 

“You’re just a number, they don’t give a monkeys about their loyal staff.”

Simon added: “The response has been unbelievable, I’m quite humbled by the support of staff and members.”

DW Fitness was approached by the Warrington Guardian but refused to comment on the allegations as we were going to press.