While the EU mulls over whether or not to class obesity as a disability, there is the possibility business owners may be forced to provide office furniture suitable for obese employees.

As the law stands obesity is not seen as a disability, however a case involving a 25-stone worker from Denmark at the European Court of Justice may change everything if a ruling is made against his employer then this will set an important precedent.

Employers would be forced to invest in heavy duty office furniture that is designed to take the extra weight rather than opt for standard office furniture, which may not be up to the job.

The Danish child minder disputes his employer’s claim that he was dismissed due to poor performance and claims that it was because of his weight and the extra cost of providing heavy duty furniture.

Employers have a responsibility to provide to make offices safe and comfortable for disabled employees and this may include those who are obese if the Danish employee wins the case or risk being accused of discrimination.

Office furniture makers have reported an increase in orders for reinforced office chairs in recent years. According to The Overseas Development Institute an estimated 64% of Britons are overweight or obese.