Big issue puts HR in spotlight

Personnel Today staffers were quizzed live by the likes of Natasha Kaplinsky, Nicky Campbell and Vanessa Feltz last week, as our exclusive survey on obesity caused a media feeding frenzy.

The survey of more than 2,000 HR professionals revealed a shocking level of discrimination against overweight people, with 93% of respondents admitting they would choose a ‘normal weight’ candidate over an obese one even if they were identically qualified.

Almost half said obese people were less productive than slimmer workers, with 42% suggesting overweight staff lacked self discipline.

Members of the Personnel Today team were interviewed live on BBC Breakfast, Five News, BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC London and LBC, as well as a host of regional radio stations and British Forces Radio.

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The Guardian, Times, Sun, Daily Mirror and Daily Star all carried details of the survey.

Karen Dempsey, editor of Personnel Today, said: “The level of interest highlights what an issue obesity in the workplace has become. HR needs to begin addressing the problem and some of the ingrained discrimination.”