BHF urges employers to help workers quit for good this No Smoking Day. Accommodation and food service workers are more likely to smoke than workers in any other UK industry, according to new statistics released by the British Heart Foundation (BHF) ahead of No Smoking Day on 11th March. Smoking just one to four cigarettes a day can triple a person’s risk of cardiovascular disease.
Yet the UK workforce puffs through a staggering 74 million cigarettes on average a day – that’s 12 per smoker – significantly increasing their risk of a heart attack or stroke. (3)
The BHF has released new statistics based on the latest official data, ranking the UK industries with the highest smoking rates. The research highlights the urgent need for greater intervention from employers to help workers quit for good. The accommodation and food service industry came out worst where almost a third (31%) of workers smoke – almost three times the level in the education sector (11%) which ranked best.
The water and waste management industry ranked second worst with 29% of workers currently smoking, followed by the construction industry with 28%. The other industries with the lowest smoking rates included the professional, scientific and technology sectors where around one in eight workers currently smoke. Research shows the average smoker takes more sick leave each year compared to their non-smoking colleagues and around four smoking breaks each day. (4) This costs UK businesses an estimated £8.7 billion in lost productivity every year. (4) The BHF’s Health at Work programme offers free expert advice to over 10,000 members on how to create a healthier workforce.
The charity is calling on all UK employers to help their workers quit by joining its Health at Work programme and holding No Smoking Day events on 11th March.
Lisa Young, Project Manager for the BHF’s Health at Work programme, said: “No matter what industry you work in, smoking is extremely damaging to your heart health and the health of your business. “But this research shows there is still a shocking divide between blue and white collar professions when it comes to how many of us are taking up this deadly addiction. Good health is good business. That’s why we want all UK employers to help us tackle these inequalities head on by helping their workers kick the habit for good.
“By taking part in No Smoking Day, employers could help their staff take the single biggest step towards a healthier heart whilst reaping the benefits of a stronger, more productive workforce.” Every year nearly a million people attempt to quit by signing up to No Smoking Day. To sign up to the BHF’s Health at Work programme and download free No Smoking Day resources, visit www.bhf.org.uk/health-at-work
Analysis based on data from the ONS Integrated Household Survey, 2012
Smoking prevalence:
Bjartveit K, Tverdal A. Health Consequences of Smoking 1-4 cigarettes a day. Tobacco Control 2005: 14:315-320. doi: 10.1136/tc.2005.011932. Available from:
http://tobaccocontrol.bmj.com/content/14/5/315.full
BHF estimate based on latest ONS workforce statistics and HSCIC statistics on smoking.
The Cost of Smoking to UK Businesses, 2014
British Heart Foundation
Coronary heart disease is the UK’s single biggest killer. For over 50 years we’ve pioneered research that’s transformed the lives of people living with heart and circulatory conditions. Our work has been central to the discoveries of vital treatments that are changing the fight against heart disease. But so many people still need our help. From babies born with life-threatening heart problems to the many Mums, Dads and Grandparents who survive a heart attack and endure the daily battles of heart failure. Join our fight for every heartbeat in the UK. Every pound raised, minute of your time and donation to our shops will help make a difference to people’s lives. For more information visit
