By Emma Brannam
It is already banned in workplaces, but in the near future the act of smoking could also prevent someone from getting a job.
The Auckland District Health Board, which employs more than 10,000 people, is seriously considering refusing to employ smokers
Even though they are on the frontline of healthcare, one in three nurses smoke.
It is hardly an image a District Health Board wants to be associated with. In Auckland they are considering changing their hiring policy.
Taima Campbell of the Auckland District Health Board says staff are asked to offer advice to help smokers quit.
“We need our staff to be good role models and not smoke themselves,” syas Ms Campbell.
DHBs already ban patients, visitors and staff from smoking at their sites.
While nursing representatives say they support the idealism of a non-smoking workforce, they also say that smoking does not affect a nurse's performance.
“We should all set examples of all kinds of things we do in life,” says Glenda Alexander of the Nurses’ Organisation. “But that should not be a reason to not employ someone”.
Refusing to hire smokers may not be considered "fair or reasonable”, but it is not unlawful. Employers would just need a pre-employment contract asking people if they smoked.
Employment law specialist Peter Cullen says such contracts could filter out smokers, as well cause their dismissal if they were found to be lying.
The DHB says that is unlikely, but it does admit the ban would be difficult to police.
While other DHBs 3 News has contacted like the idea of refusing to hire smokers, Auckland is the first to consider it seriously.
And it doesn't stop there; Auckland Council is also considering a ban on smoking in central city streets.
3 News