But suggestions of paid time off deemed “far from economic reality”
The National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) said this week that workers should be allowed time off with pay to attend stop smoking clinic, a concept which Hammersmith PCT agrees.
Stop Smoking Service Coordinator, Neda Hormozi, says, “It’s a great way to help your staff and your business. People who want to quit benefit from trained NHS advisors and Nicotine Replacement Therapy at prescription prices – which together can quadruple a smoker’s chances of quitting successfully. Employers benefit from a fitter healthier workforce who are less likely to take days off sick. Studies show smokers take and average 8 extra sick days a year compared to non-smokers.”
However business leaders said companies should not have to foot the bill to help people to quit smoking. NICE, the independent organisation responsible for promoting good health, issued the guidelines for every workplace in England, as they prepare to go smoke-free from July 1. However, the institute have been accused of being divorced from the reality of the workplace. David Frost, director-general of the British Chambers of Commerce, said, "The idea that business should pick up the tab for an individual's problem just shows how far it is from economic reality."
Hammersmith PCT disagrees claiming the success of the local groups is evident in people’s feedback. George Buckingham joined a course at Haymarket Media Group. He said, “I'd been a 30-a-day smoker for 13 years, and tried on several occasions to give up. So I was a little sceptical that I'd manage to quit using the NHS course. How wrong I was. The support from others on my group was an inspiration, and it was great to be able to share the tough moments with fellow smokers.
"In only one month, not only have I not smoked but I've saved myself £230 by not smoking 860 fags, and I really do feel like a new man. If you're sick of being a smoker I can't urge you enough to join a course, you have nothing to lose."
Director of Human Resources at Haymarket, Ian Ashcroft, added, "Working with the NHS has given us a tremendous opportunity to support employees who are genuinely attempting to give up smoking. It was delightful to see the genuine enthusiasm people had at the end of the course, and we're immensely proud of them all."
If your company is interested in running an NHS stop smoking course contact Neda Hormozi on 020 8846 6840. There is no direct cost, you just need to provide a room and allow staff about an hour once a week for 6 weeks. About 15 people genuinely wanting to quit are needed to run a group. The groups have a success rate of up to 86%.
April 26, 2007