Off duty smoking under attack
Anti-smoking campaigners are calling for all Greater Manchester health workers to be banned from lighting up in public - even when they are off duty. The calls come after health bosses in Suffolk announced plans to sack staff caught smoking, while wearing uniform or identity badges even if they are off the premises or in their own cars. As well as all staff, the suggested ban would cover volunteers, patients, visitors, contractors on health premises.
Dr Kalish Chand, regional representative of the British Medical Association, believes such a hard line policy may damage prospects of a smoking ban in public, he said: "I am all for a ban on smoking in enclosed public spaces but I think this goes too far. Doctors are role models and it would be damaging for them to be seen smoking by patients but they are individuals with rights."
Source: Manchester Evening News (29 November 2005)
posted by Simon Clark @ 15:03
5 comments
5 Comments:
This is ludicrous. People are individuals first and employees second. What you do should never be allowed to dictate what you are.
By way of a comparison, I work for a high street bank. Last month, I forgot to pay my credit card bill. Doesn't set a good example for our customers so by the same principles, should I be sacked for it?
It is indeed a ridiculous notion trying to enforce a ban once a worker has clocked off. Other than the illegal infringement of the individuals rights outside of work it's just plain crazy!
I would prefer to see instant fines for individuals that have bad body odour myself.
Looks to be totally illegal and in contravention of Article 8 of the Human Rights Act 1988, right to respect for private and family life.
Interestly this act could also be used to counter much of the anti smoker legislation being touted at the moment. If smokers could be shown to be a group that was being discriminated against they would gain the same protection as other minority groups.
Any lawyers out there care to comment?
Interesting to see even "Anti-Smokers" are suggesting that this is a move too far. Perhaps they have a sense of decency? I doubt it though I expect they fear it will reflect badly on them and may loose them support. It's just too early for them.
I think there is a clear perspective to be taken here which is: that smoking is a legal activity and it is absoutely no business of any employer to interfere in someone's private life.
As for those who say it sets a bad example, such statments, of course, indicate a subjective judgement
influenced by current populist propaganda and not, by anyone's ability to think for themselves.
With regard to the other hoary old canard which is, that at work, smokers are getting extra breaks, this is frequently total nonsense. This is firstly because everyone takes breaks of some kind or another, whether it be to chit-chat to someone else, stare out of the window or undertake some online banking. In fact, there are countless ways in which employees take quick breaks. The fact that some may choose to step outside for five minutes is just one of many options. Lastly, and with regard to myself, just because I am smoking does not mean I am actually taking a break at all. This is because my job entails some very complex thinking work and the fact I am smoking does not mean I have stopped thinking - in fact, it usually means just the opposite.
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