A recent report by the Office for Health Improvement & Disparities (OHID) reveals that truck drivers and other workers in routine, manual, and service sectors in England are disproportionately affected by smoking. New data indicates these workers are 2.5 times more likely to smoke than employees in other fields, with smoking prevalence in this group increasing by 8% over the last decade.
While smoking rates have generally declined across various professional sectors, employees in manual and service roles continue to have the highest rates, at 19.5%. Despite a substantial 33% drop in smoking prevalence within this group over the past decade, the decline has been slower compared to other sectors, where the smoking rate has decreased by 37%.
The government aims to reduce smoking to just 5% of adults in England by 2030. However, this ambitious target highlights a critical need to increase smoking cessation support specifically for manual labourers. The data, collated by Vape Club, stresses that workers in this sector face unique challenges that may impede quitting, suggesting that targeted support is essential for reducing health disparities.
Geographically, Westminster, Wokingham, and Croydon are among the worst-affected areas. Those in routine and manual roles are three times more likely to smoke than the national average. In all 20 areas with the highest smoking rates for these roles, employees are at least twice as likely to smoke as the national average.
Dan Marchant, Managing Director of Vape Club, calls for HR departments in the manual labour sector to bolster support for smoking cessation. He emphasises that vaping and other cessation tools can play a pivotal role in helping employees quit, benefiting individual health and workplace productivity.
“Ex-smokers are usually healthier, both physically and mentally,” Marchant said, “leading to fewer sick days and greater focus on their roles. This issue of inequality demands that everyone has access to effective quitting support.”
