UK Government passes new legislation to ban restaurants from deducting waiters’ tips. Credit: Infrogmation of New Orleans, Flickr.

UK Prime Minister Theresa May has pledged to ban UK restaurants from deducting tips given to waiters or bar staff by customers.

According to the government, the yet to be introduced legislation will ensure workers receive full tips.

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May said: “Unemployment is at its lowest since the 1970s and wages are rising. This legislation will ensure workers get the tips they deserve and give consumers reassurance that the money they leave in good faith to reward good service is going to the staff, as they intended – ensuring that hard work is rewarded.”

The legislation, which is intended to stop exploitative practices, will cover all UK restaurants in England, Scotland and Wales.

“There will be question marks as to whether it will deal with the myriad of scams some restaurants use to pilfer staff tips to boost their profits.”

The government also noted that restaurant chains such as Belgo, Bella Italia, Cafe Rouge, Giraffe, Prezzo and Strada are currently deducting 10% from tips offered to waiters, while Ask and Zizzi are deducting 8%.

Commenting on the legislation, British trade union Unite regional officer Dave Turnbull said: “This step in tackling tipping abuses has been a long time coming and is in no small part down to the determined campaigning of Unite and its members. As ever the devil will be in the detail of the legislation the government brings forward.

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“There will be question marks as to whether it will deal with the myriad of scams some restaurants use to pilfer staff tips to boost their profits, in addition to dealing with the unjust situation at TGI Fridays who use tips left for waiting staff to subsidise the low wages of skilled kitchen staff.

“Unite will be seeking assurances from ministers that the legislation the government introduces truly delivers fair tips for some of the lowest paid workers in the UK and that it is done so in a timely manner.”