Tips campaign

The government has agreed to end employers’ ability to use tips and service charges towards making up the minimum wage for employees in businesses such as restaurants and hotels and other service sector firms and has said it will now press ahead with legislation.

Derek Simpson, joint general secretary of Unite, said: “The government are to be congratulated for doing the right thing. This is a triumph for the poorly paid in restaurants, bars and hotels across the country, and for Unite’s campaign on behalf of all hospitality staff.” The report on the consultation is at: www.berr.gov.uk/files/file51166.pdf