Smokers’ job chances go up in smoke online

Herald Sun
May 12, 2012

JOB chances for cigarette lovers may go up in smoke with online job ads specifying they need not apply.

The ads have sparked debate about personal choice, discrimination and protecting workers health and productivity, says the Herald Sun.

Jobs published online requesting non-smoking candidates range from drivers to personal trainers, publishers, disability workers and receptionists.

The move has met with mixed reactions, with anti-smoking groups saying employers, especially hospitals and health organisations, had the right not to employ smokers.

Acting Victorian Equal Opportunity Commissioner Karen Toohey said job advertisements must not discriminate.

“Stipulating smokers need not apply for a job may be against the law. Employers should not seek to exclude smokers from applying for a position, unless the need not to smoke is an inherent requirement of the role,” she told the paper.