The Government’s ambition for a smokefree country will ultimately boost London’s economy by more than 10% and create almost 15,000 full-time equivalent jobs according to a new study, conducted by Landman Economics on behalf of Action on Smoking and Health and part-funded by research consortia Spectrum.

The reason for the dramatic increase is that most products and services create jobs in the economy through production, manufacturing or providing services. However, there is almost no tobacco production in the UK and very few other jobs which are reliant on the tobacco industry. Therefore, when people buy something other than tobacco it stimulates more growth in the economy than if they continued to purchase tobacco.

London Tobacco Alliance has welcomed the findings as an additional benefit, further strengthening the case for a smokefree London.

Tracy Parr, Programme Director for the London Tobacco Alliance and Stop Smoking London says:

“This research further demonstrates the gains to be made from raising the age of sale of tobacco to create a smokefree generation in the future. There would be a further boost to the economy through increased productivity and less sick days from smoking related ill health which currently costs the London economy £5.25 billion per year [1].

“Creating a smokefree London ensures that future generations will never have to experience the suffering caused by smoking.”

Today, MPs in the House of Commons have the opportunity to vote for a smokefree generation when the third reading of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill takes place. If the Government’s ambition of a smokefree country were to be achieved then there would be 135,000 more FTE jobs in the UK economy worth almost £10 billion.

Somen Banerjee, Director of Public Health lead for Tobacco, London Association of Directors of Public Health said:

“As a director of public health I am very keen to see the health benefits of reducing smoking rates for individuals which the Tobacco and Vapes Bill is designed to bring about. It is so encouraging to see research which also models the significant positive economic impact on the job market in the capital as the money previously spent on tobacco flows into the local economy.”

Economist Howard Reed who led the analysis said:

“Few would consider reducing smoking as having a direct impact on the country’s growth strategy but plainly this analysis shows that reducing consumption of tobacco can have major benefits to society beyond improving health. What is more switching spending from tobacco can have a very rapid impact on jobs, whereas some of the health benefits can take many years to be seen.”

Hazel Cheeseman, Chief Executive, Action on Smoking and Health:

“Today MPs will take a historic step when they vote in support of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, and they should do so in the knowledge of the many benefits it will gift future generations. The phased-out sale of tobacco will unlock potential for the next generation not only by keeping them healthy but also ensuring there are more jobs and a healthier economy.”