BUSINESSES in Liverpool are less likely to hire obese staff because of health fears, according to a new survey.
A report by a healthcare company found bosses in the city fear over-weight staff will need to take more time off work.
The survey by Manson Warner Healthcare discovered that 28% of businesses in Liverpool are concerned obese candidates are more likely to suffer from related illnesses, and therefore take more time off work.
The survey found that employers also show similar concerns about smokers, with more than 18% of businesses in Liverpool expressing a reluctance to hire a smoker because they may suffer smoking-related illness and could potentially need for more time off work.
Commenting on the findings, Graeme Warner, managing director of Manson Warner Healthcare said: "The findings of the survey are an eye opener as it highlights that employers in Liverpool may rule out perfectly good candidates on the grounds of perceived future health problems.
"Health insurers are becoming increasingly concerned about the health of their prospective clients. Indeed, one insurer already quotes higher premiums for those who are obese and I predict that other providers will follow this trend in the future.
"Smokers have already been discriminated against in other areas of insurance, including permanent health insurance and critical illness, and it may not be too long before private medical insurers also follow this route."
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