A trio of Somerset companies have signed up to take part in a pioneering project to help their workforce lead healthier lives by quitting smoking.
Somerset Chamber of Commerce is working with Somerset Council to deliver the pilot project as part of the Smokefree Somerset initiative.
Cleaning equipment manufacturer Numatic, in Chard, family-owned skip, tipper, plant hire and aggregate supplier S Roberts Group of Bridgwater and hand-made dessert manufacturer Marston Foods, of Frome are all taking part in a year-long scheme to help their staff stop smoking.
Smokers at the three businesses will have access to free stop smoking therapies and medication plus tailored support, in group or one-to-one session through Smokefree Somerset. The scheme is a free, local stop-smoking service funded and delivered by Somerset Council’s Public Health team, offering practical support and advice to smokers who want to kick the habit.
The project will also develop guidance to help other businesses who would like to support their staff to stop smoking.
Alison Bell, Director of Public Health for Somerset Council said:
“We’re delighted to see Somerset businesses leading the way in supporting their staff to quit smoking. This pilot is about more than just improving health, it’s about creating workplaces where people feel supported to make positive changes to their lifestyle. Being surrounded by people at work who are making healthy choices, make those easier choices. By working together, we can help more people in Somerset live healthier lives and reduce the impact of smoking on families, businesses, and our wider community.”
Research by health charity Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) earlier this year estimated smoking cost the UK economy £27.6 billion in lost economic productivity.
David Crew, Managing Director of Somerset Chamber of Commerce, said:
“Past research has shown smokers take up to three more days of sick leave each year than non-smokers due to ill health.
“Anything we can do to support our members and the Somerset business community to be more productive is to be welcomed and we hope this initiative will enable more workers to stop smoking.”
As part of the initiative, the three businesses will develop a smokefree vision and implement a plan to ensure the vision is funded the delivered while working closely with the Smokefree Somerset team.
Becky Bevins, Human Resources Director at Numatic, said:
“Our mission at Numatic is to make better products in better ways, therefore having an engaged, happy, and healthy workforce is paramount to our success.
“We were delighted to be selected for the smokefree initiative, working alongside the Somerset chamber and Somerset Council and we are confident that together we can encourage many of our workforce to rethink their smoking habits.”
Sarah Green, Managing Director, of Marston Foods said:
“Marston Foods Ltd are very proud to be one of three businesses selected to be part of the Somerset Smokefree Project.
“The health and wellbeing of our staff is hugely important, and to be able to provide support to some of our employees to give up smoking will be well received and a significant benefit to the business.”
Natasha Butcher, Office Manager, at S Roberts Group, said:
“The Roberts Group are proud to be part of the Smokefree Project in collaboration with Somerset Council and Somerset Chambers.
“Supporting our team’s health and wellbeing is a top priority and this initiative gives us a meaningful way to help those who want to quit smoking. We’re creating a workplace culture that encourages positive change.
“It’s never too late to quit and doing it alongside colleagues might be the extra motivation someone needs to succeed.”
To find out more about the support available for smokers at your business please visit www.smokefreesomerset.org.uk.
