Non-smokers at work are fuming over the additional breaks their smoking colleagues seem to be taking and are demanding additional breaks to compensate, according to Croner Consulting.
Richard Smith, employment law expert at Croner Consulting says: “Employers often ask us if they should limit or stop smokers from having cigarette breaks, or if non-smokers should be entitled to extra breaks to compensate. In fact, neither non-smokers nor smokers have the right to request additional breaks and it is entirely down to the discretion of the employer.”
Employers have a responsibility to treat all employees equally, and to address any resentment between groups of employees, such as smokers and non-smokers.
So how can employers fairly manage their employees’ smoking breaks and avoid associated resentment in the workplace?
In order to prevent potential complaints, employers are advised to clarify their policies on breaks and smoking. Employers should:
