The £2.6bn annual toll of smoking on London’s economy is disclosed today, amid growing calls for a levy on big tobacco companies.
A new economic analysis of national data commissioned by charity Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) takes a closer look at the impact of smoking on productivity in London.
As the cost of living crisis deepens, the negative effect on Londoners’ earnings and employment prospects due to smoking is laid bare, including:
£1.3bn lost to smoking-related unemployment.
£1.1bn lost to smoking-related lost earnings.
£175.3m in smoking-related early deaths.
Smoking related ill-health is the most likely reason for this impact with smokers facing job losses, reduction in wages, and being more likely to die prematurely – all of which is taking a huge toll on individuals, families and the economy.
The overall cost of smoking to society in London is £3 billion, including a significant cost to the NHS and social care. Smoking-related hospital admissions and primary care treatments cost £242.3m yearly, while it costs local authorities in London £125.7m each year on care for smoking-related illnesses in later life.
Meanwhile the tobacco industry makes billions of pounds in profit each year, as smokers and their families pay the price for addictions established in childhood.
ASH and health campaigners around the country are urging the government to bring in a ‘polluter pays’ levy on tobacco companies to pay towards prevention and treatment.
Tracy Parr, Programme Director, London Tobacco Alliance and Stop Smoking London said:
“These figures serve as a stark reminder of the devastating impact smoking has on both individuals and society as a whole. Tobacco dependence is leaving a trail of premature deaths across London and robbing people of precious years of good health.
“If you smoke in London, you should search ‘stop smoking London’ to find free local help to quit. You’re three times as likely to quit successfully with the support of your local stop smoking service than if you try to quit on your own.
“The tobacco industry makes billions of pounds in profit while smokers and their families suffer. Collective action against tobacco dependence holds the potential to make a profound difference in curbing smoking-related harm by boosting prevention and treatment efforts, creating a healthier, more vibrant future for London.”
