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UK Workplace Survey Finds Most Vapers Are Bullied For Using E-Cigs

A nationwide survey conducted by leading online vaping retailer E-Cigarette Direct, found that many vapers face discrimination for vaping at their workplace, and some have even lost their jobs.

Diane Caruana

November 24, 2021

The study surveyed around 2,000 vapers, with the aim of understanding their experiences of vaping at work. The compiled data found that 75% of those surveyed are not allowed to vape in the workplace, while many others face discrimination for doing so.

“13 people admitted they had actually lost their jobs through vaping – with men (9) twice as likely as women (4) to get fired.
There were significant levels of discrimination aimed at vapers in the workplace. 224 vapers admitted to being discriminated against, with the North East a particular hotspot where they feel they are being treated differently.
Many vapers have also been bullied at work – with almost one in ten respondents working in the Real Estate sector alone lifting the lid on this issue,” reported the study.

Chairman of E-Cigarette Direct and author at Ashtray Blog, James Dunworth, said that the findings are troubling. “It is quite shocking to learn people have actually lost their jobs due to vaping. It is also concerning many people have experienced bullying and discrimination. Vaping in the workplace is a little-explored area so we devised our study to help understand the challenges faced by vapers in the working world, and gather data to help employers make informed decisions to aid staff retention, health and morale.”

“We spend at least a third of our waking lives at work and our working environment has
a huge influence on our health and happiness – so these issues are hugely significant
for people who wish to vape while at work,” he added.

Policies in place to safeguard vapers

UK public health authorities have long been advocating for vapers’ rights in order to help them quit smoking. The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) which free and impartial information and advice to employers and employees on employment laws and all aspects of workplace relations, released a guidance pertaining to vaping in the workplace back in 2018.

Following this the IBVTA wrote to the Chief Executive of ACAS pointing out certain errors in the guidance, urging them to review and revise it. The vaping association suggested the ACAS refer to the Public Health England (PHE) framework advice for businesses and employers, the five key principles of which, are that organizations give consideration to the following;