care worker breaks

Retrogamer

I understand that people in care homes have different requirements to fill due to the job, however does this override legislation that (as far as i know) is applicable to anyone else working in the UK?

Nebulous2

Retrogamer wrote: »

I understand that people in care homes have different requirements to fill due to the job, however does this override legislation that (as far as i know) is applicable to anyone else working in the UK?

It is very complicated, but there is an exemption under the working time directive which applies to care workers. It is difficult to define care work as it is such a broad category, but basically a lot of care workers can get a break during their work, though it may not be at a time or in a way of their choosing. They will also be at risk of being called on during their entire shift.

I am convinced that although this situation is far from ideal it is better than the possible alternatives.

System

In the care industry I believe that although you can take your break they can insist that you stay on the premises.

Obviously smoking means that you would need to leave the premises or as a minimum be outside the building and not be in a position to react

Nebulous2

I've just found this by accident, my daughter is doing something on smoking for school!

http://www.nice.org.uk/nicemedia/live/14178/63996/63996.pdf

Recommendation 10 on page 20 under what action should they take says:-

"Ensure staff with health and social care or custodial responsibilities do not smoke during working hours in locations where the people in their care are not allowed to smoke."

That may well apply to OP and as I said earlier it is in line with the direction of travel in care anyway.

ohreally

Nebulous2 wrote: »

my daughter is doing something on smoking for school!

Is this compulsory nowadays?

Croatoan

indsty wrote: »

. I would not want my child looked after by someone smelling of smoke.
Regular breaks however should be allowed - but nothing extra for smoking, that is totally unfair to other staff.

As many health workers smoke, best you send away the paramedics or the surgeons who just might save your child's life one day just in case. I don't smoke and couldn't care less whether my doctor smokes or not as long as he provides a good level of care.
It's called getting your priorities right.

makeyourdaddyproud

Remember if you smoke, it is a negative choice YOU made not those that don't.

I've lost count of the times I've been force to walk into the only entrance of a building hijacked by smokers puffing away at the door. To suggest that someone is a fascist simply because they don't like the smell, and where many would rather be free to inhale fresh air, is absurd at best.

Too right successive policies become more hostile towards smokers in the workplace: many smokers don't realise the smell pervades the workplace from their breath and clothes long after the break time fag. If there was a policy that allows discrimination against smokers on job apps, I would support that too.