Smoking - Cost to the
Employer / Business
Why bother going Smoke Free
1. Sick days (Higher sickness rates)
Over 1.5 million working days are lost due to smoking related sick leave every year in Greater Manchester.

It is estimated that the cost to business in terms of equivalent wages of smokers sick leave for ill health caused by smoking is £105 million
2. Smoking during working hours (lost productivity)
On average smokers lose 5.7% of their working day due to smoking breaks. For a typical full time worker this equates to about 25 minutes per day (7.5 hour shift)

Businesses have to pay an additional £1.6m in wages every working day to cover smoker’s breaks in Greater Manchester.

It is estimated that the loss of working time for cigarette breaks costs businesses £364m in equivalent wages every year in Greater Manchester.
Additional costs to businesses that allow smoking in their premises include:
  • Cleaning and redecoration costs
  • Ventilation requirements (very costly and effectiveness debatable – click here for further details on the effectiveness of ventilation systems)
  • Provision of facilities for smokers and non smokers - “Every employee has a right to clean air” (Click here for information on the legal rights).
  • Increased fire risk
  • Higher insurance premiums
  • Potential litigation fees under health and safety law
  • Compensation claims against them and their company
The benefits of Smoke Free workplaces
There are many benefits for businesses going Smoke Free including:

  • More productivity due to fewer smoking breaks.
  • Reduced sickness and absence.
  • Improved staff morale – reduced exposure of non-smokers to tobacco smoke.
  • Reduced legal costs connected with health and safety issues.
  • Less maintenance costs (painting, decorating, furniture and carpet renewal)
  • An increase in the positive image projected by the company. Recognition for being smoke free, healthier workplace.
  • No need for expensive ventilation systems.