Stagecoach bus drivers who weigh more than 20 stone have been reminded that they will break new seats if they do not lose weight, and must work elsewhere in the business until they shed some pounds.
The bus company in Hull, East Yorkshire, has sent letters to staff explaining that any drivers that exceed the weight limit are not legally allowed to drive the buses and need to visit the firm’s occupational assessment adviser to embark on a fitness regime.
Until they are ready to return to work, they will be re-deployed internally.
A spokeswoman said the policy had been in place for years. She told Personnel Today: “We periodically send out policy reminders to drivers, and the policy is based on health and safety legislation. It’s extremely rare for any of our workforce to exceed the weight limit.”
Stagecoach employes 300 drivers in Hull and 14,400 drivers nationally.
The firm added it would support drivers wanting to join the government’s Active for Life scheme, which offers benefits including six weeks’ access to a gym, day passes to gyms in the local area, and access to walking groups.
