Is it legal to not hire someone becuase of their weight?

jen. i am afraid that employers need to hire physically fit people. Do you want to know why? Employers would eventually support their employees for Group Medical Insurances. Medical insurance is very expensive today. and when you are employed, the pre-existing illnesses are covered as well in medical insurances of the company. They wouldnt hire someone who would be a possible threat in the increase of premium rates in medical insurances. And the risk is that it is either that your employer would shoulder all the premium or, the employer would share the premium rates with all the employees. Would you be amenable to pay a higher premium for the sake of your coworkers who were not keenly hired by your HR or would you be amenable to pay a higher premium because your coworkers are not taking care of their health?

It is not in the law to choose physically fit people. Employers are into cost-cutting these days and they have to choose new potentials who would be profitable for the company.

It depends on what the position entails and the definition of "physically fit." That is often a phrase used to discriminate against those with disabilities. However, the employer can demand that applicants be physically able to perform the job. For instance, if you are required to lift heavy boxes, you'd have to possess the strength and ability to do so.

However, being overweight is not considered a disability. You might have recourse if you're morbidly obese (100 or more pounds overweight), which could be designated as a disability.

If you suspect a company is engaging in discriminatory hiring practices, contact the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. For information on locating your local office, call (800) 669-4000.

It depends on what the position entails and the definition of "physically fit." That is often a phrase used to discriminate against those with disabilities. However, the employer can demand that applicants be physically able to perform the job. For instance, if you are required to lift heavy boxes, you'd have to possess the strength and ability to do so.

However, being overweight is not considered a disability. You might have recourse if you're morbidly obese (100 or more pounds overweight), which could be designated as a disability.

If you suspect a company is engaging in discriminatory hiring practices, contact the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. For information on locating your local office, call (800) 669-4000.

It depends on what the position entails and the definition of "physically fit." That is often a phrase used to discriminate against those with disabilities. However, the employer can demand that applicants be physically able to perform the job. For instance, if you are required to lift heavy boxes, you'd have to possess the strength and ability to do so.

However, being overweight is not considered a disability. You might have recourse if you're morbidly obese (100 or more pounds overweight), which could be designated as a disability.

If you suspect a company is engaging in discriminatory hiring practices, contact the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. For information on locating your local office, call (800) 669-4000.

I don't know whether it is legal or not.But it is really a discrimanation for others.Everyone need a job to support themselves.If this job is not spectified for weight,I think it is illegal not to hire someone .

Well, in some careers it is important that employees be physically fit (police officers, firemen)...they're tough jobs and employers just want to make sure the people they hire will be safe while working the job. So in situations like that it is acceptable.

But if someone was applying for a job, say at a department store or restraunt and they were not hired because, lets say they were too big...then that is wrong, that's unacceptable.