Workers call it quits for cigarettes

Updated 08.15 Mon Jun 11 2007
Keywords: quit, workplace, ban, smoking, july

Most workers who smoke are trying to give up cigarettes ahead of the ban on smoking in public places in England next month, according to new research.

A survey of more than 2,136 workers by law firm Peninsula showed that nine out of ten were in favour of the total ban on smoking in the workplace.

"This first and foremost will have immediate benefits not only for their health but also for the health of fellow members of staff who will no longer be exposed to second hand smoke" - Peter Done

Four out of five workers who smoked said they were trying to kick the habit, while most said smoking was already banned in their workplace.

Peter Done, managing director of Peninsula, said: "It is good to see that such a high percentage of workers are attempting to give up smoking.

"This first and foremost will have immediate benefits not only for their health but also for the health of fellow members of staff who will no longer be exposed to second hand smoke.

"There are also the obvious cost benefits from not purchasing cigarettes."

He added: "This will lead to an overall healthier and cleaner workplace environment for everybody, and also a possible reduction in absenteeism because smokers often take more sick days off work than non-smokers."

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