A NEW drive to help people whose health suffers by breathing in smoke at work is launched by campaigners today.

A leaflet by Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) and law firm Thompsons offers advice to employees affected by other people smoking in the workplace.

ASH warns that legal action for compensation over second-hand smoke has come a step closer because of a "stubborn failure" by some firms to take action. At least three million people are estimated to be routinely exposed to other people's smoke at work, including hotels, pubs and restaurants.

ASH and Thompsons has sent a letter to leading hospitality employers warning of legal action on behalf of workers affected by breathing smoke.

Deborah Arnott, Director of ASH, said: "Every employer in Britain should know by now that second-hand smoke is dangerous.

"There is no moral excuse, and we believe no legal defence, for continuing to expose employees to such an unnecessary health and safety risk.

"The Government should follow the Irish example and legislate. If it doesn't and if the hospitality trade and other employers fail to act over clear warnings they have received, then the issue will be decided in the courts."

John Hall, solicitor at Thompsons, said: "Employers have no more right to allow smoke in the workplace than they do to allow asbestos or coal dust."