Health, Safety and Environment

BT Smoking Policy

26 March 2006

The new legislative arrangements in Scotland and the implementation of BT's new smoking policy began on 26 March 2006.

The union has emphasised repeatedly to the company that while it is very happy to endorse the principle of a smoke-free working environment, we have concerns about the practicalities of managing what for individual employees/members who are addicted to, or have an habitual use of, nicotine, could be a very difficult situation.

The company has given a commitment to pragmatism and sensitivity. We hope and expect that this commitment will be enacted. However, should members have any concerns it would be appreciated if they contact the Branch office.

Smoking Rooms

The union has raised its concerns about the future use of current smoking rooms with senior managers working for BT Property. We have sought assurances about how future use will be determined and in particular raised concerns about the survey form that was not subject to any notification to or consultation with the CWU.

BT Property has emphasised once again that their only concern at the present time is to "lock down" current smoking rooms. Notices about he closure have been placed on the doors to these rooms. There has been no decision made on future use and no decision made on the process that will be used to determine future use. The union emphasised vigorously that it expected the principles outlined in the existing consultative arrangements we have with BT Property to be adhered to.

CWU representatives also pressed the point that where smoking rooms were previously welfare rooms they should once again be returned to a welfare facility. BT Property stated that they did not believe there were any current smoking rooms that had previously been welfare rooms and so the issue did not apply.

It is our understanding, from anecdotal reports, that while welfare rooms were not necessarily converted to smoking rooms, welfare amenities in the buildings concerned will be reduced as a result of smoking rooms being closed.

Customers' Premises

The union has been involved in extensive discussions with the company over a policy that covers visits by BT staff to smoke-contaminated customers' premises. A policy document is in the final stages of completion and the principle – that BT employees should not be expected to work in smoke-contaminated premises – has been readily accepted by the employer.

Liveried vehicles

Concern has been expressed about the application of a sticker to BT vehicles encouraging members of the public to report any breach of the smoking policy to a dedicated telephone line. This understandably has caused concern and disquiet among our members. However, as this is a legislative requirement in Scotland, it is clearly mandatory there.

Details of all the smoking rooms BT has advised us would close on 26 March 2006: http://www.cwu.org/uploads/members/06LTB185a.xls. (Excel spreadsheet)