Tim Campbell of The Apprentice has supported a Japanese rule that holds employers legally liable for their employees’ weight, infuriating viewers on X.
On today’s Good Morning Britain, the former BBC personality stated that companies had a ‘responsibility of care’ while discussing the Japanese rule that requires enterprises to measure their employees’ waistlines yearly.
But the 46-year-old’s comments, which come as The Apprentice 2024 line-up was revealed, have sparked backlash on X, with one viewer Liam Grayhurst remarking: ‘He sounds like a horrid boss to work for #GMB.’
‘God no! I don’t wanna be weighed at work. Triggering as hell #GMB,’ Jackie Taylor fumed.
Shocked over the strict measures, Sue Crowther argued: ‘Work demands/stress is probably the single biggest cause of unhealthy and/or overeating. But let’s shame people for that by weighing and measuring them. #gmb’
Some viewers, however, were more open to discussing the policy, with Dario stating: ‘Talking about obesity isn’t shaming anyone.. Calm down. #GMB.’
Introduced in 2008, the ‘Metabo’ regulation requires businesses to measure their employees’ waistlines once a year if they are between the ages of 40 and 74.
If male workers’ waists reach 85cm or women’s waists surpass 90cm, they are required to undergo weight reduction therapy or get motivational assistance.
The Japanese government may punish businesses if staff do not endeavour to cut the inches.
Talking about obesity isn't shaming anyone.. Calm down.
— DarioK (@DarioCJK2) January 23, 2024
Who measures your employers waistline? #GMB
— IceCold (@BiBetty3) January 23, 2024
god no! i dont wanna be weighed at work. triggering as hell #GMB
— Jackie Taylor (@jactay80) January 23, 2024
He sounds like a horrid boss to work for #GMB
— Liam Grayhurst (@lgrayhurst01) January 23, 2024
Work demands/stress is probably the single biggest cause of unhealthy and/or overeating. But let’s shame people for that by weighing and measuring them. #gmb
— Suey (@crowther_sue) January 23, 2024
When discussing the rule on GMB, Tim, who won the first season of The Apprentice and later launched a London-based digital marketing business, indicated it may be ‘good’ for staff.
He argued: ‘Employers have a duty of care to their employees to make sure they are as productive as possible.
‘[Duty of care] should incorporate your physical health as well and measuring around your waist is a key indicator of health challenges or health problems like cholesterol or blood pressure.
‘And I want my staff to be as healthy as possible. That’s my duty as an employer.’
However, radio presenter and podcast host Danielle Broadbent disagreed and said if staff are ‘motivated and happy’ at work they will be productive, adding that: ‘It shouldn’t matter how much you weigh and what clothes size you are.’
Tim continued: ‘This has got to be a positive, motivating thing. The stats are unequivocal if you are healthier you are more productive and you have less time off work.
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‘Particularly as a parent, I want my children to be healthy,we saw that thing about children walking around a mile at school, so why shouldn’t it be the same at work?
‘It’s not about fat shaming. This is all about making sure, “Are you as healthy as possible?” As I would like to know earlier than later if my blood pressure was high.’
Susanna then asked if Tim measures his staff’s weight and he replied: ‘We measure ourselves. I don’t do it at work but we do it individually and encourage people to go off and do so.’
Tim’s comments coincided with the announcement of new participants for The Apprentice, including a former Dragons’ Den star, two pie specialists, a 00s one-hit wonder, and a body popper.
The prize includes a £250,000 investment and the opportunity to be mentored by Lord Alan Sugar.
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays from 6am on ITV and ITVX.
Source My Celebrity Life.