SJC Recruitment and Training has advised businesses to prepare for the smoke-free legislation which will affect virtually all workplaces in England from 1st July 2007.

When the legislation comes into affect, businesses must ensure that all enclosed areas of their buildings and all areas that are more than 50 per cent enclosed must be smoke-free.

There is also legislation on appropriate signage that must be in place.

Sara Child, managing director of SJC, said: "There will be fines for both employers and employees if regulations are not followed. To help everyone with the changes, the NHS are making various recommendations such as removing ashtrays from smoke-free areas; developing a smoke-free policy in consultation with staff; providing staff and customers with support to stop smoking; and ensuring that staff and customers know where they can smoke if they choose to.”

“No smoking” signs must be displayed at entrances to buildings which should include the international red "no smoking" symbol and the words "No Smoking. It is against the law to smoke in these premises".

All work vehicles will have to be smoke-free at all times and smoking rooms will also be prohibited.

Employers and managers must also take reasonable steps to ensure that staff, customers/members and visitors are aware that premises and vehicles are legally required to be smoke-free. There will be no legal requirement for designated external smoking areas but if businesses do provide these then they must ensure that they comply with the relevant permissions.

"As a recruitment consultancy we feel that it is important that all employees and employers are notified and aware of changes in legislation that will affect them. The changes will soon be upon us and we wanted to advise our clients to be prepared. We always recommend that our clients seek professional legal advice and The Department of Health has a website to assist with the implementation of this legislation which we would advise all businesses to visit.

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