Low-wage workers based in the strictest smoke-free environments may be the heaviest smokers, according to a new analysis today.
Staff in hotels, restaurants and other food outlets are puffing through 12 or more cigarettes a day, according to the analysis.
Researchers found that workers who smoke manage on average 12 cigarettes a day.
And 31% of workers in hotels and restaurants are smokers – compared with 11% of those in the education sector and 18.4% of those in the health sector.
About 28% of workers in construction industries and the water and waste management industry are also smokers, according to the British Heart Foundation, which released the figures ahead of No Smoking Day on Tuesday.
Lisa Young, from the foundation, said: "This research shows there is still a shocking divide between blue and white collar professions when it comes to how many of us are taking up this deadly addiction.
“Good health is good business. That’s why we want all UK employers to help us tackle these inequalities head on by helping their workers kick the habit for good."
* Meanwhile Cancer Research UK reported that retailers would lose little from new restrictions on the sale of cigarettes.
Its study, published today, found that retailers admitted they made little profit from the sale of tobacco. Researchers from King’s College, London, interviewed some 62 retailers.
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