Rail companies are to be asked to provide counselling for workers who want to give up smoking.

The Rail Maritime and Transport (RMT) union said its members who smoked were a "victimised minority" because they were often not allowed to light up, even on their meal breaks.

Non-smoking policies have increasingly been adopted by rail firms and smoking is now banned on many commuter trains.

The London Underground banned smoking on trains and in stations after the Kings Cross fire in 1987.

RMT General Secretary Jimmy Knapp, a non-smoker, said the union was adopting a two-fold approach to smoking.

"We are asking companies to help members who decide they want to give up smoking because there are obvious benefits for employers in promoting healthy living.

"For those who remain to be convinced of the value of giving up the habit, some provision should be made in the way of designated smoking areas.

"As a spin-off, I also hope my executive committee will make New Year resolutions to give up smoking and bring an end to the tradition of meetings in smoke-filled rooms."
 

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