Edinburgh mum accuses health club of 'exploiting parents' after swimming lesson price rise
| Author | Iona Young |
| Published date | 16 June 2022 |
| Publication title | EdinburghLive (Scotland) |
The charity, which posted a turnover of more than £779 million in its accounts for 2020, told Edinburgh Live they had no choice but to increase their prices due to rising energy and chlorine costs.
Several parents, who say they rely on the private swimming lessons, say they feel let down by the lack of communication and change to the swimming programme at the centre.
The Corn Exchange branch of Nuffield Health has raised prices from £100 for 10 lessons to £143 for 12.
One to one lessons, which are understandably dearer, have seen a £10 increase- spiking from £25 for 30 minutes to £35 if you book a four lesson block.
Many of the children have spent years learning to swim at the local pool and parents told how much they enjoyed the routine.
Dozens of kids are now devastated after their parents warned they couldn't afford the steep prices and believe the private heath club have spotted a gap in the market and are exploiting parents with sky high prices.
Speaking to Edinburgh Live, one parent who has taken her children to the club for the last four years, explained: "There was a swimming instructor before called David who was really well-liked by everyone and he was flexible with kids schedules and holidays.
"After he left they changed everything and gave us no notice which really p***** everybody off, there has been a massive staff turnover since.
"There is a really high demand for lessons so they have had to close their waiting list, they don't care if you have been there for four years.
"It's a cluster f*** to be honest, everyone I know has left because of how they have been treated.
"I used to sit with the other parents there was six kids in the group lessons before now there are only two kids in it now.
"We have one lesson of our block then we will be leaving like all the other families."
She continued: "It's exploitation, they have just seen a gap in the market and the opportunity to make more money.
"I am sad about leaving after so long but we have no choice.
"Lessons are regularly cancelled at short notice and the price increases, which used to be approx £2 per year suddenly jumped by £3 in December and then a whopping £10.75 further increase six months later in June.
"All during a cost of living crisis? So a £13.75 increase in six months."
Another disappointed mum explained: "This is a well loved Saturday...
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