Man claims he was sacked for smoking at home

A sales executive who let slip to his new employer that he smoked at home claims he was sacked on the second day of his job because they frowned on his habit.

Mark Hodges, 41, assumed his company’s strict no-smoking policy only applied to the office and the car after they told him about their rules at the interview, according to reports.

But on the first day of his new £28,000-a-year job Mr Hodges told his new employer’s wife that he smoked about 10 cigarettes a day at home.

He claims he was told the next day he was being dismissed from the Boxes and Packaging manufacturing company in Swindon, Wiltshire with a month’s pay in lieu of notice.

Mr Hodges from Calne, Wiltshire said: ‘‘I was sacked for smoking in my own free time.

‘‘I am angry and astounded I could be treated like that.’’

He explained that he was told the business’s policy on smoking but he had no intention of lighting up at work or in his company car.

He told the newspaper that he intends to take legal advice for breach of contract and wrongful dismissal.

A company spokeswoman said that no one was available to comment on the dismissal.