Norwich's waiting staff campaign for fair tips

Waiting staff in Norwich have taken to the streets to drum up support for Unite`s Fair Tips campaign.

Staff from a number of restaurants and hotels in the city gave out leaflets to members of the public last Thursday to raise awareness of the ways some companies operate when distributing tips to staff.

The campaign urges the government to close a legal loophole in the minimum wage regulations which allows employers to use tips and service charges to top up pay to the minimum wage.

A spokeswoman for Unite said the campaign had been positively received: "There was wide-spread consumer support for the campaign and a general agreement from establishments. The message certainly got across."

The campaign was also launched in Manchester last week to gain support in time for the Labour Party Conference there in September.

Len McCluskey, Unite Assistant General Secretary said: "With over 20,000 visitors to the Labour Party Conference arriving in Manchester in September they will have plenty of choice as to where they will eat and drink. We are calling on establishments across Manchester to sign up to the Fair Tips Charter to demonstrate that tips and service charges are distributed fairly amongst staff. Customers clearly want a transparent tipping policy when they dine out, unless companies sign up to the fair tips initative their clientele will have cause for concern."

So far Pizza Hut and TGI Fridays have signed up to the Fair Tips Charter​ with other companies reportedly ready to give their backing.

The Independent newspaper has also launched a campaign for fair tips and has gained support from a number of people including top chefs and restaurant guide editors.

Independent`s fair tips campaign gains pace

Bar and restaurant staff to get fairer tips

Businesses urged to make tips system fairer