John Player and Sons. Free cigs being sued.

[letsavagoo 646]

In the early 70's I worked at Players for about 18 months. I caught on the news today, the tail end of a piece that someone or a group of people are suing players for the health implications of the free cigs that employees got given as a perk. I think I got 200 a week. Anyone else here worked at Players?

[Paradiddle 114]

Left school in 1965, started as an electrical apprentice at Players.  Thought if I started puffing away I might not be able to stop so sold my allowance (Perfectos) to a relative.  As I was there until around 1979, made a few bob without any damage to my lungs!

[Cliff Ton 8,977]

My grandad worked at Players almost his entire working life (approximately 1930 - 1970).

 

He used to get free cigarettes all the time...but he didn't smoke. He always gave them to my dad - who did smoke - but my dad never liked Players cigarettes for some reason, so he gave them to someone else.

 

Who would do the suing in that case ?  

[letsavagoo 646]

I think the someone else would sue your dad who would sue his dad who could sue Players. I guess you might need a good medium as in spiritualist though.

[FLY2 10,095]

This scenario is akin to a road accident victims relations, attempting to sue Henry Ford.

[radfordred 5,443]

It was actually Rothmans @letsavagoo  that the fellow worked for, not John Player, (hope they do not come looking for you for slander!)  you are going to need deep pockets to take on any cigarette company. 

 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-nottinghamshire-48050476

[letsavagoo 646]

Definitely mentioned Players on the news I saw. I wasn't paying attention but when they mentioned Players I looked up. I'm actually quite impressed with Players as I worked there for 18 months 1973-4 and they recently traced me via an agency to my current address as apparently I'm due some pension contributions back. I started browsing new cars until they told me it will be about £98.00. It's the thought that counts but the cash would be better.

 

[AlanB 10]

I had a holiday job at Players during my university years. I didn't want to work there but in those days you could sign on the dole in the summer vacation and my parents encouraged me to do so - but of course they always found you a grotty job which you were then obliged to accept! I remember being given cigarettes in leiu of part of my wages. I didn't smoke but there was no option to opt out. I think my dad sold them to someone he knew who was a smoker.

[Beekay 2,879]

'Er indoors worked in Players labs for a few years, about 4/5 ,can't remember for sure. She used to get a cigarette allowance and asked if she could save them up prior to our wedding and it was agreed. I used to smoke at the time so I usually got a handful till she started saving them.

She tried smoking but never took to it. At our wedding reception, each table had a large tin of ciggies in the middle to go with mints and coffee. 

At the close of the reception there wasn't a fag to be found. Some must have found their way out in guests pockets. It never occurred to us to flog 'em. Think she packed in about 1966/7, when she was carrying our first nipper. Beekay.