Unintended consequences of obesity ruling

Following a controversial EU ruling that obesity can now be classified as a disability MEP Paul Nuttall has pointed out the unintended consequences.

"These faraway judges in the European Court of Justice have weighed in with both feet and their landmark decision will have considerable repercussions," said Mr Nuttall, UKIP deputy leader.

"It is not just the impact on employers, who may need to take steps to cater for the needs of overweight employees, it also means that such workers may find it harder to get employment in the first place.

"People with self-inflicted weight problems, which is a massive problem, need help and encouragement to lose the pounds, not an excuse not to.

"I think it is also a slap in the face for disabled people that those who cannot control their eating should be in the same category as those with physical disabilities not of their own making," said Mr Nuttall, Euro-MP for the North West.

"We should make our own laws and regulations and not have them thrust on us by foreign judges and unelected Eurocrats," he added.

The ruling could burden employers with having to make changes such as having to provide bigger seats, doors, fire escapes and wider car parking spaces.