smoking at work

[suggsy]

my employer has just introduced a complete smoking ban whilst at work! I have worked for this employer for 20 years and now i have to work my 11 and 13 hour shifts without a cig the nature of my job means i am at work the whole shift no dinner break etc. can they do this to me its very stressful.

[B00]

To be honest i'd be more concerned that you work 11-13 hours without any form of breaks?? Isn't that illegal?

[tiggerblue10]

http://www.workplacelaw.net/search/index/s/lun ch+breaks/sTopic/0

This might help.

[tiggerblue10]

You should really have a break every 4 hours.

[Buenchico]

In most types of employment you're entitled to a single 20 minute break if you work for more than 6 hours in a shift. (The entitlement is neither 'cumulative' nor 'pro rata'. You don't get any more breaks, or longer ones, for longer shifts). During that break, you must be permitted to leave the business premises (e.g. for a smoke) if you wish to do so.

There are certain exceptions to the regulations, particularly if you work in the security or rail industries (or in other environments which require continuous staffing, such as hospitals).
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/Employe es/WorkingHoursAndTimeOff/DG_10029451

If you work in enclosed premises, your employer must prohibit smoking. (If the employer permitted you to smoke, both you and the employer could be fined). Many employers now also prohibit smoking other than in enclosed areas. While there's no obligation for them to do so (except where safety considerations apply, such as in the oil or plastics industries), they're perfectly entitled to ban smoking throughout their premises. (There is no obligation upon employers to make any arrangements for smokers. It's illegal to provide 'smoking rooms').

Give it up!
http://www.quit.org.uk/

Chris

[Postdog]

but as a practcal solution to the smoking, try the gum.

[tufty7]

Taking into consideration you are a dirty smoker , the employer is very much out of touch , it is your right to have breaks , what you do in them breaks is up to you within reason , If you can get off the premises to smoke , thats the best option , as long as you don't drop nubs ! get in touch with your trade union rep if you have one , other than that look round for another job , they are taking advantage of you .... sounds like a sweat shop!