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#1 Posted : 25 January 2008 16:35:00(UTC)
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Posted By Ronan
I just wanted to check, sure there is no entitlement to provide workers with a smoke break during working areas?
Admin  
#2 Posted : 25 January 2008 16:46:00(UTC)
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Posted By Robert.
Is it safety related?
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#3 Posted : 25 January 2008 17:30:00(UTC)
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Posted By Bob Shillabeer
There is no such thing as a smoking break. It is just a break, it is for the employee to decide just how he spends the break. There are some requirements written in employment law and agreements between the employer and the employee also state what breaks are required, but I have never heard of a smoking break.
Admin  
#4 Posted : 25 January 2008 21:32:00(UTC)
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Posted By D H
I agree with Bob - I get breaks and it is up to the employee if he eats or smokes or both.

Some employers are saying though that smoke breaks on top of tea breaks are annoying non smoking staff.

Think about it - smoker goes to designated smoke area - distance to travel - 30 seconds. Smoke takes 4 minutes. Travel back to desk - 30 seconds. Total - 5 mins. Multiply times 3 in morning and 3 in afternoon = 30 minutes. Times 5 days per week = 2 and a half hours or more.
Times 50 weeks??? And paid the same rate as non smokers???


Up to the employer at the end.

Dave
Admin  
#5 Posted : 26 January 2008 08:42:00(UTC)
Rank: Guest
Admin

Posted By Chris Bramall
We had the same problem,

Smoking on our site is only permitted at official break times or before shift start or after shift finishes.

One Break mid morning,
Lunch
One break mid afternoon.

Smokers get there fixed, everything is equal.
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