By Tilly Walder
A job vacancy posted by the Isle of Wight Council has prompted a flurry of negative comments on-line, after it was revealed the authority is advertising for a “Smoke-Free Officer”.
The £25,583 to £25,992 per year position includes responsibilities such as promoting and managing smoking cessation support for council staff, and engaging with employees who smoke and guide them to the right help. However, critics have described it as a waste of council resources, with many questioning its necessity in a time of significant financial pressures.
One confused commenter noted: “Can’t afford to keep schools open… can afford to pay someone to help them stop smoking?!”
Whilst another lamented: “It would be better to employ someone capable of instilling common sense in the council as the lack of it is currently at pandemic levels.”
Others pointed to the role as another example of perceived preferential treatment, one commented: “Why should council staff be singled out for this treatment? Why should council staff get ferry discounts as well as discounts at shops like Hursts? Why should council staff get an index linked guaranteed pension? Why are they any different to other hard working people who get nothing!”
When asked to comment on the social media backlash, a council spokesman responded by reiterating the published job description, without addressing concerns raised by the public. Despite repeated attempts, the council declined to comment on the social media criticism.
Isle of Wight Observer