Overweight workers should be afforded same chances as others
12-03-2007
A new survey by a top law firm has found that the majority of Brits think it is unfair to discriminate against people because of their weight.
The study by Vizards Wyeth, published at the start of National Obesity Week, shows that four in ten people are convinced that any employer asking to see a photo is likely to discriminate on the basis of appearance.
And while most of those questioned accepted that certain physically-demanding positions may be inappropriate for obese people, 77 per cent felt that any other discrimination on the basis of weight should be outlawed.
"Whilst I do not expect to see any obesity legislation proposed in the foreseeable future, case law is expanding that way and employers could nonetheless find themselves faced with claims from aggrieved obese employees," Susanna Gilmartin, partner at Vizards' employment branch, told www.onrec.com.
Of those surveyed, 86 per cent would feel less confident in an obese police officer and 66 per cent would feel wary of an overweight health minister.
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