'Obese people have less chances of getting jobs'

MANILA, Philippines - Obesity is now considered not just a health hazard, but also an obstacle in getting a job.

The International Labor Organization (ILO) yesterday reported that obese jobseekers have less chances of getting hired compared to those with normal weight.

In a report titled “Equality at work: The continuing challenge,” ILO said there are new forms of discrimination in workplaces, and that these include biases against obese workers and jobseekers.

Based on a study done recently in European countries, ILO said obese applicants posted 20 percent fewer call-backs for interview than their counterpart with no weight problem.

ILO noted that weight discrimination is more prevalent among women. It said weight discrimination against women is similar to the prevalence of race discrimination and even more frequent compared to age and sex discrimination.

Although the data on the so-called “lifestyle discrimination” such as obesity and smoking is still limited, there is an emerging pattern that provides basis for considering appropriate policies to address the problem, the ILO said.

Despite continuous positive advances in anti-discrimination legislation, ILO said the global economic and social crisis led to a higher risk of discrimination against certain groups. Economically adverse times are a breeding ground for discrimination at “work and in society,” ILO Director-General Juan Somavia said.

He said workplace discrimination has become more varied, and discrimination on multiple grounds is becoming the rule rather than the exception.

Somavia further warned against a tendency of governments worldwide during economic downturns to give lower priority to anti-discrimination policies and workers’ rights.

The report also showed that sexual harassment is a significant problem in workplaces.

Young, financially dependent, single or divorced women, and migrants are most vulnerable, while men who experience harassment tend to be young, gay or members of ethnic or racial minorities.