Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

man smoking image via Shutterstock
i predict a riot

Smoking ban to be rolled out across prisons in England and Wales

Authorities are worried that prison officers could bring compensation claims over the effects of passive smoking.

SMOKING IS SET to be prohibited in all prisons in England and Wales over fears of that staff may bring compensation claims, the Times reports today.

A pilot scheme is set to be launched early next year banning all tobacco products in the grounds of jails in south-west England, with a full ban due to be rolled out within 12 months.

Senior prison staff were informed of the move in a letter.

“You will no doubt be aware that the decision has been made that the time is right for the prison estate to adopt a tobacco and smoke-free policy to provide a smoke-free workplace/environment for our staff and prisoners,” the letter read, according to the Times.

Prisoners are due to be offered nicotine patches as a way of dealing with withdrawal symptoms, which it is feared may lead some inmates to violence.

“I am not sure it is the right time,” a prison source told the paper. “Everything in jails is extremely stretched and more job losses are coming.”

Prison Service staff have campaigned for a ban and authorities are worried that officers could bring compensation claims over the effects of passive smoking.

- © AFP 2013.

Read: Tobacco industry ‘needs to recruit 50 new smokers a day’ to replace deceased and quitters>

Read: MEPs are lobbied by tobacco industry “all the time”>

Poll: Do you think the smoking ban has been effective?>

Your Voice
Readers Comments
45
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.