Banning smoking on company premises
Discussion
I arrive at my workplace this morning - and there is a message to the effect that smoking on company premises is to be banned immediately...as of 3.10.05
I manage an off-licence, where historically, smoking has always been allowed for staff in the office area - and customers in the sales area. Tobacco sales are approx 20% of turnover...and much of the time the shop is run by a single member of staff.
I'm a heavy smoker myself - and last month was notified that a consultation period had begun as to make the position of branch manager redundant. To be replaced with a new job title and an average £4K drop in salary. I own my house...but a lot of managers live above the shop and are to lose this benefit as part of the restructuring process.
Since the majority of branch managers are smokers - could this smoking ban be considered as constructive dismissal?
And does anyone know if there's a legal requirement to give notice to introduce a smoking ban?
I manage an off-licence, where historically, smoking has always been allowed for staff in the office area - and customers in the sales area. Tobacco sales are approx 20% of turnover...and much of the time the shop is run by a single member of staff.
I'm a heavy smoker myself - and last month was notified that a consultation period had begun as to make the position of branch manager redundant. To be replaced with a new job title and an average £4K drop in salary. I own my house...but a lot of managers live above the shop and are to lose this benefit as part of the restructuring process.
Since the majority of branch managers are smokers - could this smoking ban be considered as constructive dismissal?
And does anyone know if there's a legal requirement to give notice to introduce a smoking ban?
Pretty soon the government will ban smoking in all workplaces anyway so your company are probably just preparing for the inevitable.
Our factory is non smoking, with just a smoking area outside (though it is undercover). We would like very much to ban smoking on the whole site but we'd probably face a revolt.
I am an ex smoker and therefore have some sympathy with you but unfortunately the law is changing and smokers have fewer rights. You are entitled to a 20 minute break for every six hours you work, but you are not entitled to a "smoking break"
Our factory is non smoking, with just a smoking area outside (though it is undercover). We would like very much to ban smoking on the whole site but we'd probably face a revolt.
I am an ex smoker and therefore have some sympathy with you but unfortunately the law is changing and smokers have fewer rights. You are entitled to a 20 minute break for every six hours you work, but you are not entitled to a "smoking break"
Thanks for your reply 
I've googled lots of bits and pieces about this - and a lot of them suggest that a consultation period needs to be in place...though I gather it's not compulsory.
However, it does lay the company open to accusations of constructive dismissal and discrimination.
Still trying to fathom out if it's legal or not.
I've googled lots of bits and pieces about this - and a lot of them suggest that a consultation period needs to be in place...though I gather it's not compulsory.
However, it does lay the company open to accusations of constructive dismissal and discrimination.
Still trying to fathom out if it's legal or not.
This is the sort of banter I expect from the Pie and Piston ...not serious business forum.
Eric, as an accountant...I'm surprised at you
Now can someone please tell me if this is legal or not?
....or can I refer it to the Health and safety bods as I've been caused a massive amount of undue stress.
...not serious business forum. Eric, as an accountant...I'm surprised at you
Now
can someone please tell me if this is legal or not? ....or can I refer it to the Health and safety bods as I've been caused a massive amount of undue stress.
It's certainly not the well-being of me...and since I mainly work alone ( apart from the mainly 'smoking' customers that walk through the door) and my smoking is confined to the office area where no customer is allowed to visit...I don't see the problem.
My 2 assistants, who also smoke, are usually paired together so they can alternate fag breaks between themselves.
Perhaps the way forward is to ask for extra hours for my staff...so that they can cover me for fag breaks
My 2 assistants, who also smoke, are usually paired together so they can alternate fag breaks between themselves.
Perhaps the way forward is to ask for extra hours for my staff...so that they can cover me for fag breaks
2 Smokin Barrels said:
..get with the times dude, I suspect it won't be long before we follow Eire.
Since I'm not getting much sympathy here - let's recap.
I mostly work on my own and so harm no-one. both assistants I have working with me also smoke...though I usually let them work together.
The company I work for sells tobacco...and is a reasonable amount of their sales - and has in the past encouraged customers to smoke by providing ash-trays as normal. Likewise, encouraging staff to buy tobacco from them with staff discounts and allowing smoking on the premises.
What I'm objecting to is NO consultation about a ban..just a verbal phone call saying it's banned with written confirmation to follow.
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