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Clark Howard's Tips

Wednesday, March 7, 2007

A few years ago, Clark talked about a new trend in the job industry whereby companies were firing smokers. We did a poll on the topic at the time and the majority of voters thought it was wrong to fire someone with a job because he or she smoked.

There is a huge lawsuit underway involving Scotts lawn care company, which instituted a policy saying the company does not employ smokers. The man who is suing was fired after the company conducted a random drug test and nicotine was found in his system.

The company was spending millions on health care to take care of smoking-related illnesses, so it created the policy. Since then, the company also put $5 million into building a health and wellness center to help employees become healthier. It's tough love, but it has worked for many employees and the employer.

Is an employer stepping across the line with these policies? Clark says yes, but he thinks Americans need it. If 70 to 80 percent of employees are now using the facility, it's working.

Consumer advice courtesy of