Refused a job because I smoke....

tomsolomon

Yes can you believe it.......
I have just spoken to the inerveiwer on the phone, and I was told that "the company does not employ smokers", and that "You can re-send your CV after you have been smoke free for a month".........
That's descriminatory, what are my rights?

mymatebob

Maybe they have a legitimate reason?
I don't think, despite the way smokers are portrayed by some people, that they have done anything wrong but without more details difficult to judge

Emmzi

it's discriminatory but not illegally so. You don't have any rights other than your right to continue smoking, and their right to refuse to employ you on those grounds.

tomsolomon

The job was for a IT support center. I wouldn't even have had direct contact with customers....
Smoking is an affliction for most people, and should be classed as a handy cap, I do not appreciate being treated like a third class citizen. I would love to give up, but as it is, I smoke. Fine they have stopped smoking in public places and in the work place. What I do in the privacy of my own home is my buisness, and should not be an excuse for refusing employment.

dmg24

tomsolomon wrote: »

Smoking is an affliction for most people, and should be classed as a handy cap,

I think that most people who are truly handicapped or disabled would find your comment very offensive.

sharski

Well said, dmg24!!!!

arealhighlander

Not all discrimination is illegal.

Do you "discriminate" against someone who does not need the requirements for a job?

Smokers have to stop their job to go away and smoke, they work less hours but complain if they stop getting paid when they have to go off and have a puff.

Dont try and say smoking is a disability!

Rikki

tomsolomon wrote: »

The job was for a IT support center. I wouldn't even have had direct contact with customers....
Smoking is an affliction for most people, and should be classed as a handy cap, I do not appreciate being treated like a third class citizen. I would love to give up, but as it is, I smoke. Fine they have stopped smoking in public places and in the work place. What I do in the privacy of my own home is my buisness, and should not be an excuse for refusing employment.

If you really wanted to give up you would.
Will power and wanting to is the deciding factor in giving up.

Loopy_Girl

tomsolomon wrote: »

wouldn't even have had direct contact with
Smoking is an affliction for most people, and should be classed as a handy cap,

Are you kidding?!!! Smoking, like any addiction, is a lifestyle choice. You chose to begin smoking and choose to continue.

Get a grip and think about what a pathetic excuse you have just given.

(btw, I am a smoker. I choose to do it. People that have a disability do not choose to be the way they are)

Hang your head in shame.

withabix

Smoking is a lifestyle choice.

It is not illegal to choose not to employ someone because they smoke.

I have personally chosen not to employ a smoker several times in the past, when interviewing and selecting office staff for my employer. It is my right to do so (and my employer knows I have done this, before you say!).

I also think that smokers should clock out when they go on their far-too-regular cigarette breaks. We worked out that the typical smoker in one of our offices works between 5 and 6 hours per week LESS than a non-smoker.

There is no Smokers Discrimination Act and, thankfully, there never will be.


To the OP. If you want the job, stop smoking. It's Moneysaving too.

lynzpower

Smokers have to stop their job to go away and smoke, they work less hours but complain if they stop getting paid when they have to go off and have a puff.

This isnt true! I smoke and can go days without smoking if I needed to/wanted to!

I do think this is unacceptable, in future just lie and say you dont smoke. I would. What difference does it make to them what youdo after hours, its legal, and you are entitled to do it in your own home if you like!