Smoking costs Midlands £1.3bn - and leads to one million sick days

The figures were released as bosses at Public Health England who want smokers to join the Stoptober campaign to encourage them to kick the habit.

Smokers cost Wolverhampton a total of £68.7million, Sandwell £83.2million, Walsall £71.5million, Dudley £73m, and Staffordshire £190.1m each year.

More than 250 companies and organisations, including major employers such as Asda, the British Army, and Unilever, are getting behind the annual Stoptober campaign, offering support to over one million employees across the country.

Stoptober, the 28-day stop smoking challenge from Public Health England, begins today (OCT 1) and is a major opportunity for employers to help their staff to quit smoking and encourage them to live healthier and happier lives.

Dr Lola Abudu, public health consultant, said: "The 2013 campaign saw 250,000 people across the country take part and 65 per cent of those successfully quitting for 28 days. In the West Midlands 23,579 people signed up to take part in Stoptober 2013 and I would encourage smokers across the region to sign up this year. It is a great opportunity to make a serious quit attempt with the support of friends and family. Apart from the obvious benefits to health, a reduction in the number of smokers in the West Midlands will help to boost the local economy and significantly reduce the cost to the region's health services.

"The economic figures speak for themselves – businesses can play an important role in helping their employees and see the benefits of a smoke free workforce. Quitting smoking is one of the most significant health improvements a person can make and it is encouraging to see so many businesses and employers supporting Stoptober to help make their work place happier and healthier places for their staff.

"There are still 8 million smokers in England and two thirds saying they want to quit . Stoptober provides the perfect opportunity for employers and staff to work together towards quitting smoking for good. The range of free support available and collective efforts of colleagues and friends will help smokers complete the 28 day challenge."

Evidence shows that if a smoker can go 28 days without a cigarette, they are five times more likely to stay permanently smoke-free. Stopping smoking can be a difficult process but it has significant health, monetary and social benefits.

For details go to stoptober.smokefree.nhs.uk.