Tobacco giant sued over free staff cigarettes

LAWYERS say they are suing British American Tobacco on behalf of employees who were given free cigarettes.

They are acting for former salesman Simon Neale, 57, who has inoperable lung cancer, and are examining other cases against the tobacco giant.

Mr Neale began working for Rothmans in 1982 and was an employee for four years. Rothmans merged with BAT in 1999. He was given 1,200 cigarettes a month to give away or use, and became a heavy smoker.

He was diagnosed with cancer late last year.