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EU Rules Obesity a Disability, the European Court of Justice has said in a ruling that could change the way employers in Europe treat overweight staff.
The case was brought by Karsten Kaltoft, a Danish man who weighs more than 350 pounds. Kaltoft, a childminder, claimed he was fired over his weight.
The judges in Thursday’s ruling said that if obesity hindered “full and effective participation” in work activities, affected workers would be protected by disability legislation.
The ruling will apply across the EU, though it will be up to national courts to decide if the effects of individuals’ obesity are enough to qualify as a disability. A Danish court will now be in charge of Kaltoft’s case.
The ruling could mean that employers will need to provide larger seats and other assistance for obese workers.
Agencies/Canadajournal
