PLANS by a North-East council to force workers to ask permission every time they want a cigarette have been ridiculed by objectors.

Senior managers at Chester-le-Street District Council are keen on introducing a new smoking policy that allows managers to use their discretion on whether employers can light up or not.

The union Unison, which represents public sector workers, says another option - to let workers use a swipe card to register when they go out for a smoke - would be fairer.

Following a review of smoking policy at the council, managers are expected to agree on a new policy that bans smoking in all council buildings and vehicles, provides an outdoor smoking shelter, and allows managers to say who can smoke and when.

Philip Loads, North-East representative of pro-smoking lobby Forest, said the proposed measures were archaic.

He added: "It's like a schoolboy asking a teacher to go to the toilet. Having to ask permission to go for a cigarette is degrading.

"People should be free to enjoy their personal lifestyles and smoking is a personal lifestyle."

Council bosses also came under fire from Unison members, who supported the idea of a swipe card in a recent consultation, but senior managers think it is unmanageable.

Pauline Hanna, the council's Unison representative, said: "I would like to stress that Unison members are disillusioned with the result of this poll in which they were asked to participate.

"The majority of members are extremely disappointed that they are not willing to put forward the chosen option."

Joanne Machers, the council's personnel manager, said: "Under this proposal employees should ask their team managers for permission every time they want to go for a cigarette.

"We think the swipe card idea may be unworkable because people may leave their desks for many reasons - to use the toilet, go to the vending machine or whatever."

Council members will vote on the proposals at a meeting of the executive at 6pm tonight