THE Government's proposed ban on smoking in workplaces will impact on staff at some of York's biggest employers.

New legislation announced earlier this week is set to outlaw smoking in most enclosed workplaces by the end of 2008, including specified smoking rooms.

While most York employers already forbid smoking in their office and production areas, an Evening Press survey has revealed that some still allow it in enclosed rooms set aside for smoking - although the picture differs markedly from one to another.

Nestl Rowntree bans its 3,000 York workers from smoking in both production and office areas, but it provides a series of designated smoking rooms across the massive site, which would have to shut under the new laws.

However, staff are currently barred from smoking in the grounds, potentially leaving them with nowhere to go. A spokeswoman said policies would "clearly have to be reviewed" if the Government proposals come about.

Shepherd Construction bars smoking at its offices across the country, but at a number of sites, including Frederick House in Fulford Road, staff can still light up in a separate portable building situated in the grounds.

A Department of Health spokeswoman confirmed that this would not be allowed, but said smoking would be allowed in grounds with some shelter provided - for example a roof with no walls.

Shepherd Engineering, which employs about 140 people at its head office in Mill Mount, said smoking was banned inside and outside the building, with anyone needing to smoke having to do so on public land near the entrance, where smoking bins were provided. This would still be allowed under the new rules.

A spokesman for Shepherd Group Head Office, Chris Mason, said smoking had been banned throughout, at least since its move to new premises at Huntington a couple of years ago.

Norwich Union, which employs about 2,500 people in York, said it had banned smoking in all its offices in the city for a number of years. A spokesman said staff who felt they had to smoke simply went outside to certain designated areas.

City of York Council said it gave priority to non-smokers, and people were not able to smoke in council offices, although some buildings did have a designated smoking room. "The council will continue to review its policy in line with national guidance and feedback from employees," said a spokeswoman.

Selby and York Primary Care Trust (PCT), which launched a Yes To Clean Air Campaign in conjunction with the Evening Press earlier this year, has given the Government proposals a cautious response.

Rachel Johns, director of public health, said she thought the consultation on the proposals would attract a lot of interest, but said the PCT's campaign was aimed at supporting organisations who volunteered to change their smoking policy "because they want to improve things for their staff, themselves and their customers".

She added: "We welcome the consultation and we're interested in this approach to reduce smoking rates and we will respond as a PCT and take on board views."

Updated: 10:49 Wednesday, June 22, 2005