I put up with abusive pupils, smug secondary staff who earn more than I do (though I’ve taught longer), curriculum confusion and trendy colleagues who say that “Darren” should have a chance to go to university too, when “Darren” can’t be trusted with a light bulb. So I deserve a fag! Now they say I can’t smoke anywhere on campus. Is this for real?
FE has always been conscious about its image since incorporation, and it doesn’t look good having people standing around in all weathers smoking. I have a friend who will no longer go to the pub because of the smoke and would welcome a complete ban because he enjoys drinking himself into a stupor. I think a ban will encourage subterfuge, leading to disciplinary procedures that might have been avoided with a less draconian stance.
Gateshead college, which I think began this total ban, apparently employs smoking cessation officers for whom - if you’ll forgive the pun - there is doubtless an NVQ in the pipeline.
