Common Bond fitness chains close London studios, staff unpaid

Common Bond, the parent company behind London fitness chains Barrecore, Boom Cycle, KOBOX, Reformcore, and Triyoga, has ceased operations at all its studios. The sudden closure has left hundreds of staff claiming they have not received their final month's pay, which was due on September 17.

Customers were notified of the shutdown via email on Wednesday, with the company stating that all studios were closed 'until further notice'. The email expressed apologies for inconvenience and disruption, acknowledging the frustration caused.

Impact on Staff

The abrupt closure has caused significant distress among employees. Staff members have reported being unable to contact Common Bond representatives to inquire about their outstanding wages. An instructor at Triyoga told The Standard that concerns about the company's financial stability were first raised in August when bailiffs were seen at one of the Shoreditch locations. Later that month, Triyoga reportedly missed a staff payment, only agreeing to issue it after staff threatened industrial action.

The Independent Worker’s Union of Great Britain (IWGB) is now assisting over one hundred Triyoga staff in their efforts to recover their final payments. Davy Jones, Chair of the IWGB Yoga Teachers Union, stated that the studio's closure without paying workers demonstrated a lack of priority for the people who keep these businesses operational. He added that the union would continue to support workers in their fight to recover all owed money.

One former Triyoga instructor, who identified himself only as Jonathan, described the company's treatment of employees and members as 'disgusting' and showing 'no regard for morals'. He noted the vague communication regarding payment delays and the uncertainty about whether staff would be paid at all.

Company Leadership

Records from Companies House indicate that Common Bond's director, Ben Allen, stepped down last month. Gaspar Lipszyc, described as a Spain-based Belgian national and principal at investment firm Nectar Capital LLP, has taken over the directorial role. Common Bond has been contacted for comment.

The affected London studios include Triyoga locations in Shoreditch, Westminster, Camden, and Chelsea. Barrecore and Reformcore had sites in Chelsea, Aldgate, Notting Hill, Hampstead, and Wandsworth. Boom Cycle operated studios in Battersea, Hammersmith, Monument, and Shoreditch, while KOBOX had branches in Liverpool Street, Marylebone, and Chelsea.