How being overweight could cost you your job

People who are overweight are considered less desirable by potential employers, who perceive them to be less productive and not as hardworking as 'normal weight' individuals.

A survey of HR and recruitment professionals has found that over half of those questioned admitted to finding obesity an undesirable characteristic in potential employees.

The study suggests that employers equate obesity with unfavourable personality traits, such as a poor work ethic.

More than half of those asked admitted that they would choose a 'normal weight' candidate over an obese candidate, if both were equally qualified.

The research was commissioned to gauge the level of discrimination faced by overweight individuals during the recruitment process. Results show that more than a third of respondents found it difficult to remain impartial towards obese candidates.

56 per cent of those polled said they viewed obesity as an important indicator of personality traits and strength of work ethic.

NHS figures indicate that 62 per cent of UK adults are overweight or obese, meaning that employers may be squandering talent due to negative stereotypes.

This research comes after the Karsten Kaltoft v Billund Kommune case in Denmark, where a 25 stone child-minder who was sacked for being unable to bend down to tie up children's shoelaces, argued that obesity should be treated as a disability.

If you have been discriminated against at work, call our employment solicitors today. You can speak to us on 0114 296 5444 or email enquiries@pm-law.co.uk and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

PM Law Ltd

Employment Solicitors

Sheffield and Maidenhead