‘Turn up an hour late for work if you are obese’
Call for discrimination law change
OBESE people should be able to turn up to work late and be protected by discrimination law, according to a government adviser.
Prof Stephen Bevan wants obesity classed as a “protected characteristic”, putting it on a par with disability, race or religion, and meaning staff could sue fat-shaming bosses.
The Institute for Employment Studies research head said: “We need to coordinate our efforts. It can be work time, it can be understanding someone might need to turn up at 10am as they have trouble or anxiety about transport.” Prof Bevan, who has advised the Department for Work and Pensions, will present the idea at the European Congress on Obesity in Vienna. Christopher Snowdon, of the Institute for Economic Affairs said it was “ludicrous”. He said: “Should we also give special privileges to smokers, alcoholics and gamblers?”