SmokeFree Liverpool fully supports TUC stance

August 22, 2005 - PRESS RELEASE FROM SMOKEFREE LIVERPOOL

Campaigners from SmokeFree Liverpool have welcomed the recent announcement by the TUC in the North East backing an outright ban on smoking in all workplaces.

The call has come as a direct response to the Government's Health Improvement and Protection Bill, which proposes to prohibit smoking in the workplace. However, the current plans would exempt certain premises such as private members clubs and some bars and clubs on the proviso that they do not serve food.

SmokeFree Liverpool has been campaigning tirelessly to ensure the Government extends the current proposals to their logical conclusion by prohibiting smoking in all workplaces, guaranteeing the protection of all workers' health.

As in the North East, Liverpool has a disproportionate number of bars and pubs that would be exempt from the Government's current proposed legislation, resulting in a worsening of health inequalities in some of the most deprived areas of the country.

At least 100 people die every year in Liverpool alone as a direct result of second hand, or passive smoking at their workplace. In addition, countless more become ill, developing conditions such as asthma and other serious respiratory and coronary disorders.

Like the TUC in the North East, SmokeFree Liverpool believes that all workers, regardless of the place of their employment have the right to work in a safe environment, away from the dangers of second hand tobacco smoke.

In addition to saving countless lives, a recent report by the Royal College of Physicians suggests that an outright ban on smoking in all enclosed public places would save the UK a staggering £4 billion every year. This predicted saving would come from increased productivity, lower NHS costs, reduced insurance and cleaning and fire-related bills.
"This position seems illogical and therefore only a total smoking restriction in the workplace will offer the degree of protection for workers that is sorely required, says SmokeFree Liverpool Programme Director, Andrea Crossfield.

Speaking about the issue, Andrea added: "We fully support the stance taken by the TUC in the North East. The Government's proposals are undoubtedly a move in the right direction, however the current plans to allow exceptions to the legislation will come at a cost - a cost to worker's health that no one anywhere should be prepared to pay.