Unite warned the government against serving up its ‘fair tips’ bill as a ‘dish served cold’ today (Monday 14 October) as it responded to the proposed bill announced in the Queen’s Speech.

Unite, the UK and Ireland’s largest union representing hospitality workers has waged a long running campaign for fair tips and has been critical of government inaction and has accused ministers of dragging their feet.

The Tories promised to tackle the tipping abuses first with a consultation that ended in June 2016 and then with a promise of legislation over one year ago by former prime minister Theresa May.
Unite officer for hospitality Dave Turnbull said: “Whether the government’s promise of a ‘fair tips’ bill amounts to the Michelin starred changes that hospitality staff have been waiting years for, or is yet another dish served cold, is open to question.

“As ever the devil will be in the detail. Unite will be scrutinising the bill to ensure it represents the actions needed to stop greedy bosses pocketing people’s hard earned tips. Recent events in Carluccio’s have highlighted the lengths employers will go to manipulate tips in the interests of the business rather than workers.

“That a fair tips bill is finally on the Tory government’s legislative agenda is testament to the campaigning of hospitality workers and Unite, but after years of false promises it remains to be seen whether it will ever actually be served up.”

ENDS

For more information journalists only please contact Alex Flynn Unite head of media and campaigns on 020 3371 2066 or 07967 665869 [email protected]

Notes to editors:

  • Unite is Britain and Ireland’s largest union with members working across all sectors of the economy. The general secretary is Len McCluskey.