GMB backs passive smoking case

The GMB general union is backing croupier Micky Dunn in his battle to win damages from his employer after developing asthma. Dunn believes his asthma was caused by passive smoking in his workplace, Napoleon's casino, in London's Leicester Square.

The union says that if the case is successful, it could mean that workers in thousands of licensed premises might be able to take damages claims against their employers if their health has been damaged by passive smoking. The union has been campaigning to force London's casino owners to install extraction ventilation equipment to prevent staff having to work in a smoky atmosphere.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has recently consulted on whether there should be an approved code of practice (ACOP) setting out authoritative guidance on employers' obligations under health and safety law with regard to passive smoking at work. The outcome of the consultation is expected later this year.