Staff offered bonus to quit smoking
A firm is offering its nicotine-addicted employees a £2,500 bonus if they successfully quit smoking.
Ten smokers at vehicle-tracking company Masternaut Three X, based in Aberford, Leeds, have so far signed up to the scheme, which begins on June 1.
The firm will pay £1,250 to each worker who remains smoke-free until 31 December and will also donate the same amount per employee to Cancer Research.
The incentive is open to all regular smokers among the company's 200 staff.
To qualify for the scheme, employees must smoke 10 or more cigarettes a day and sign a pledge to say they will be honest about their achievements.
A support system will be set up within the company, with weekly forums, guest speakers and mentors to keep the quitters on track.
Robert Sanders, a customer service advisor who currently smokes 20 cigarettes a day, is taking part in the scheme.
He said: "The cash reward along with the contribution to charity has given me the motivation and a compelling reason to quit."
Elspeth Lee, Cancer Research UK's head of tobacco control, added: "Employers can play a key role in supporting staff to quit smoking.
"Masternaut Three X should be applauded for its commitment to its staff's health and well-being."
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