Meon Valley MP Flick Drummond has welcomed a new law that ensures restaurant and pub staff receive their tips and not the business.
The Employment (Allocation of Tips) Act 2023, also known as the Tips Bill, received Royal Assent this week and it was supported by Flick.
It means workers in the hospitality industry receive the tips and gratuities given by customers, rather than businesses retaining them.
“I am really pleased this law is now on the statute book and protecting this section of the workforce who are not often well paid,” said Flick.
“During cost-of-living pressures it’s important staff receive all the money due to them. Unfortunately, there were a minority of businesses who took this money and that was unfair.
“When a tip is given, it is not the intention it should end up in the owner's account rather than with the person who did the work. The law makes it clear where the money should go and hospitality staff will benefit.”
The Tips Bill was introduced as a Private Members Bill by Watford’s Dean Russell MP following several years campaigning for the change in law. It received government support and was taken through the final stages in Parliament and the Lords by Virginia Crosbie MP and Lord Robathan.
