Stub it out! Council will ban all cigarette breaks

StAFF cigarette breaks are to be forbidden in a ‘ blanket ban’ on council employees smoking during the working day.

Labour-run Nottinghamshire County Council said staff have ‘no right to smoke’, and will discipline workers who are caught smoking in paid hours.

the rules will apply to all authority-owned buildings, land and vehicles. Even employees smoking while walking to or from work will be at risk of sanctions if they are wearing council uniform.

Health campaigners welcomed the proposals, but the council is facing a backlash from staff and unions over its ‘Big Brother’ stance. A proposal document, which also prohibits the use of e- cigarettes, warns staff they have ‘no right to smoke’ and adds that the council has a ‘key role’ in promoting better health in the county.

Around 9,000 staff are employed by the council, and figures suggest more than 1,600 smoke. they will be allowed to smoke in their lunch breaks – but only if off-site and not in uniform. Deborah Arnott, chief executive of health charity ASH, said: ‘this will improve productivity, help employees who are trying to quit smoking and provide a cleaner and more pleasant working environment.’ However she said it was ‘not appropriate’ to include e-cigarettes, as they do not cause the damage smoking does.

Union representatives have met council officers to discuss the proposal – likely to come into force early next year – and say they will ballot members on whether to oppose the plans. the issue of smoking in uniform will be looked at in the consultation.

Brian Fitzpatrick, of the Nottinghamshire branch of Unison, said: ‘they want to have a blanket ban on all employees smoking ... It does seem extremely strict ... We do think it’s a step too far.’ One council employee, who uses an e-cigarette, said: ‘How will they police it? And what happens next – will I have to go on the treadmill for 15 minutes every lunch time? It’s ridiculous.’

the council’s deputy director of public health, John tomlinson, said: ‘ Smoking is still public health’s number one enemy. We are trying to be a supportive employer and have a duty of care to protect the health of our employees.’