The results of a survey by Crossland Employment Solicitors who polled people with hiring responsibilities at 1,000 employers looking at recruitment attitudes towards obese employees. The survey follows the recent ECJ ruling that obesity in itself is not a disability but an obese worker may come within the definition of a disabled person if long-term impairments arising as a consequence of obesity prevent the worker from doing their job on an equal basis with others. 45% of employers admitted they were less inclined to recruit at interview stage if the applicant was obese, expressing views such as “Obese workers are unable to play a full role in the business”. As the article points out the lack of understanding about the law could result in a problem if an obese person tells a potential employer about their impairments at interview, the company does not employ them and the applicant claims disability discrimination because it was their obesity that caused the rejection.

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