Smokers are less likely to get a job or find love, new study shows - with a third claiming they have been unfairly treated over their unhealthy habit

By MAILONLINE REPORTER

Published: | Updated:

Smokers in the UK are at a potential disadvantage when they are looking for a new job, a room to rent or even a date, a survey has confirmed.

More than four in ten non-smokers (41%) who were questioned admitted they may be hesitant to hire a job hunting smoker.

In a further blow to tobacco fans on the lookout for love, almost half of non-smokers (44%) stated that they would never date someone who smoked.

Even having a quick kiss might be problematic, as more than half of non-smokers (54%) insisted they would not like to kiss someone who had just had a cigarette.

Many smokers confirmed their unhealthy habit counted against them , with nearly a third (30%) claiming they had been unfairly treated because of it.

Smokers in the UK are at a potential disadvantage when they are looking for a new job, a room to rent or even a date, a survey has confirmed

Smokers in the UK are at a potential disadvantage when they are looking for a new job, a room to rent or even a date, a survey has confirmed

The survey commissioned by tobacco manufacturer Philip Morris Limited questioned 1,800 non-smokers and 2,000 smokers to highlight attitudes to smoking.

More than half of smokers (57%) stated that the judgement and lack of understanding that they faced from non-smokers made it harder for them to quit.

Over half (55%) were conscious of negative sentiments about their nicotine habit and said they felt there was a stigma against them and other smokers.

The same percentage of smokers stated that people did not understand what it was like to be a smoker, according to the survey conducted by Lake Research.

The exposed strong feelings towards smokers, particularly on money and health

The exposed strong feelings towards smokers, particularly on money and health

But nearly four fifths (82%) of non-smokers agreed that more should be done to help smokers find less harmful alternatives to cigarettes.

Philip Morris Limited which is a UK and Republic of Ireland affiliate of Philip Morris International stated in 2016 that it wants to replace cigarettes with smoke-free alternatives such as a vaping.

The survey also exposed strong feelings towards smokers in their everyday life, particularly around money and health.

Most non-smokers believed that smokers waste money (80%) and smelled bad (73%), and over half (54%) stated that had a negative impact on NHS resources.

Christian Woolfenden, the Managing Director of Philip Morris Limited, said: ‘The best thing any smoker can do is quit tobacco and nicotine completely. Many smokers want to quit but feel that being frowned upon by non-smokers across many areas of their lives only makes it harder to do so.

‘With more support and understanding from friends, family and work colleagues, plus more information from government, regulators and public health experts about smoke-free alternatives, many more smokers could be encouraged to stop completely.

‘And for those who don’t quit, to switch to less harmful options such has heat-not-burn products, e-cigarettes or nicotine pouches.’

Tobacco usage among young people has increased in recent years, with e-cigarettes being partially blamed. Some legislators are pushing to ban flavored e-cigarettes (file image)

Philip Morris Limited International stated in 2016 that it wants to replace cigarettes with smoke-free alternatives such as a vaping

The study also found that women are more averse to smoking than men, with 56% believing it should be banned compared to 51% of men.

The finding was similar with regard to personal relationships with 46% of women saying they would never date a smoker, compared to 42% of men.

The survey found that Leicester was the place in the UK where most people were against smoking.

More than six in ten (66%) of residents of the East Midlands city believed smoking should be banned, compared to a national average of 54%.

Mr Woolfenden added: ‘As the only tobacco manufacturer committed to delivering a smoke-free future, we believe that we can all play our part in helping to accelerate the decline in smoking.

‘We believe cigarette sales can end within ten to 15 years in many countries if the right measures and support are put in place.’

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