Overweight people losing out on jobs

Date: 19th January 2010

Overweight people may be losing out on job opportunities and contracts because of their appearance, it has been suggested.

A recent survey by YouGov and diet expert Slimming World revealed that employers assume overweight people are "lazy", have a "lack self control" and are "not hard workers".

The report also found that people who are overweight are twice as likely to earn less money and six times more likely to feel they have missed opportunities for promotion as a result of their appearance.

Employers have now been urged to assess potential candidates solely on their ability to fulfil the role.

Steve Williams, head of equality services at independent business adviser Acas, said: "There are no legal rules around the issue of weight discrimination in the workplace.

"[However], we would always urge employers to judge on skills and abilities alone and not make assumptions."

The research also showed that a quarter of overweight workers have suffered negative comments about their appearance while at work.