What should my employer be doing about smoking at work?

From 1st July 2007 employers in England have stronger duties on smoking in the workplace, bringing them into line with Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Employers have to put up “no smoking” signs or face a fine. The regulations lay down the minimum requirements for signs that have to be displayed at all entrances to premises and also in vehicles. It is the responsibility of the employer or operator to ensure the signs are there.

There are new offences of smoking in a smoke-free place and failing to prevent smoking in a smoke-free place. The latter offence generally applies to employers or occupiers of premises, but the government has also imposed a duty on the drivers of smoke-free vehicles to prevent smoking.