LOCAL employers and workers are being offered free support by a local wellness expert following a controversial EU ruling on obesity and the workplace.

David Procter, who runs Shipley & Saltaire Wellness Centre on Dockfield Road, has made the offer following a European Court of Justice ruling stating that severe obesity can be considered a disability.

It followed the case of a 25st Danish child-minder who was sacked by his employer and claimed discrimination due to his obesity.

Mr Procter said the judgement meant that many employers would need to consider how they support workers with weight problems.

He said: “Obesity is not a lifestyle choice, as many people tend to think and it can really impact on someone’s whole quality of life, health and wellbeing. There’s so much that can be done by a caring, supportive employer to prevent it from reaching that level.”

Shipley & Saltaire Wellness Centre, in Dockfield Road, Shipley, has already run a number of emotional eating workshops and David said this has given them an insight into the many underlying issues which could often turn out to be the real cause.

David said centre staff are willing to visit local workplaces to provide free wellness profiles for employees.

Contact, info@shipleysaltairewellnesscentre.co.uk or phone 01274 585566.