Millions 'exposed to work smoke'

A ban in public places is being considered by ministers

More than 2m people in the UK are exposed to tobacco smoke in their workplaces, anti-smoking groups say.

A further 10m people work in places where smoking is allowed somewhere on the premises, Ash and the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health said.

Recent research has shown that inhaling second-hand smoke at work may cause about 700 premature deaths a year.

The groups are launching a guide to help councils reduce smoking in workplaces and enclosed public areas.

The figures were calculated from the Labour Force Survey for 2003 and the National Statistics Omnibus Survey.

Total ban urged

The groups reiterated their call for the government to ban smoking in public places - a move being considered by ministers.

"All the statistics and evidence supports the need to bring an end to smoking in all workplaces and enclosed public places," CIEH chief executive Graham Jukes said.

"Smoking kills not only smokers but also hundreds of people who are forced to breathe second-hand tobacco pollution simply because of where they work."

There is no need for legislation because employers are already banning or restricting smoking on a voluntary basis Simon Clark Forest

Ash director Deborah Arnott said smoking was the single biggest health and safety hazard in UK workplaces.

The number of premature deaths was three times the rate of deaths from industrial accidents.

"It is time for central government to commit itself to a leadership role by introducing a total workplace ban.

"But even in the absence of central government action, there is a lot that local councils can and should be doing to move towards smoke-free workplaces and public places," she said.

Their concerns were dismissed by the director of the smokers' lobby group Forest, Simon Clark.

"The number of people exposed to tobacco smoke has been dropping for years and continues to fall.

"There is no need for legislation because employers are already banning or restricting smoking on a voluntary basis."

He said "companies must be allowed to choose a policy on smoking that best suits both their staff and their customers".

"Employers have every right to accommodate those who wish to smoke."