The EU, in its infinite wisdom has decided today that in certain circumstances obesity should be considered as a disability.
BBC report on EU ruling
"The court said that if obesity could hinder "full and effective participation" at work then it could count as a disability."
"Judges said that obesity in itself was not a disability - but if a person had a long term impairment because of their obesity, then they would be protected by disability legislation."
So what does this mean, in practice?
Well, most likely it will mean that employers will no longer be able to fire workers who cannot complete certain tasks set of them that are the result of growing too fat. Should they become depressed as a result of their weight, no action can be taken etc.
No doubt certain other costs will be loaded onto employers as well; strengthened furniture, widened doors etc.
The sad thing about this is that this will not have the desired effect; just like women of childbearing age, less fatties will be employed going forward.
BBC report on EU ruling
"The court said that if obesity could hinder "full and effective participation" at work then it could count as a disability."
"Judges said that obesity in itself was not a disability - but if a person had a long term impairment because of their obesity, then they would be protected by disability legislation."
So what does this mean, in practice?
Well, most likely it will mean that employers will no longer be able to fire workers who cannot complete certain tasks set of them that are the result of growing too fat. Should they become depressed as a result of their weight, no action can be taken etc.
No doubt certain other costs will be loaded onto employers as well; strengthened furniture, widened doors etc.
The sad thing about this is that this will not have the desired effect; just like women of childbearing age, less fatties will be employed going forward.