[3] Unite the Union has argued that the social enterprise does not provide the British taxpayer with good value for money due to its dependence on public funds and the casual labour market.

Critics, including trade unions, have questioned the sustainability of its business model, which depends heavily on public funding and employs a large proportion of staff on flexible contracts.

Unite the union has argued that GLL's dependence on public funds and casual labour makes it a costly and unsustainable model,[2] calling for services to be brought back under council control in areas such as Belfast and Swindon.

[2] GLL’s critics have also pointed to its decision to close leisure facilities during the pandemic, including outdoor pools, despite evidence suggesting that swimming in chlorinated water poses minimal risk of COVID-19 transmission.

[2] In 2021, Unite’s regional officer, Onay Kasab, criticised the outsourcing model used by GLL, asserting that it ultimately results in higher costs for taxpayers.