According to a recent NHS survey about the prevalence of smoking amongst adults in England, there has been a significant decrease in smokers. According to the data, the UK has comparably low smoking prevalence in adults, along with Sweden, at just 17%.
The newest data set, released in 2017, shows only 15.5% of adults currently smoke in the UK, down from 19.9% in 2010.
Men vs Women
According to the data, you are more likely to smoke if you are male. 17% of smokers in England are male and only 14% of smokers are female.
Smoking by age
You are less likely to smoke if you're aged 65 and over, but more likely to smoke if you are aged 25-34.
Marital status
Interestingly, cohabiting adults contributed to 25% of smokers, whereas single smokers only made up 21% and only 10% of smokers were married.
Qualifications
According to the new NHS data people with a GSCE, CSE or Standard Grade qualifications are more likely to smoke, making up 24% of Smokers in England, compared to only 9% of smokers who hold a degree.
Income band
Those earning less than £10,000 per year contribute to 19% of smokers, compared to the 11% of smokers who earn £40,000 or more a year.
Employment status
30% of smokers in England were found to be unemployed, and only 16% of smokers were in work.
