Proposals to force restaurants and other businesses to hand over all tips to their staff will be revived by new legislation to be tabled in Parliament.
Watford MP Dean Russell's private members bill - known as the Tips Bill - was to outlaw businesses from withholding tips from staff and enable arrangements to be made about how tips are divided between staff.
It was due to be included in an Employment Bill, but this was ditched for a second time from the Queen’s Speech, which sets out the Government’s legislative programme for the next 12 months.
Read more: Always tip in cash to reward good service
Mr Russell said he will make a fresh attempt to introduce his private members bill after he secured eighth spot in a ballot for backbenchers to propose their own laws.
Mr Russell is expected to secure time for it on one of the 13 Friday sittings in the Commons, which will increase his chances of successfully steering it through Parliament.
READ MORE:
- Dean Russell urged to speak up for Watford over planning targets
- 'HouDeani' Watford MP's partygate vanishing act
He said: "I am so pleased to have been selected to introduce a Private Members' Bill. The Bill will give me a further opportunity to discuss this really important issue which I have already introduced to the House.
"I feel very strongly that tips given by customers should be retained by hard working staff, including kitchen or cleaning staff, for example who work out of sight and can often go unrecognised."
Despite missing out in the Queen's Speech, the Conservative politician said he has received “positive feedback” from business minister Paul Scully since he floated his Tips Bill last July.
Delighted that I was successful in the ballot to introduce a #PrivateMembersBill to Parliament. Private Members Bills are an opportunity for backbench MPs to introduce a new law or amend an existing one. I have chosen the #TipsBill to lead on. Details here https://t.co/4zY52sUPAm pic.twitter.com/XrcpGZ08Jh
— Dean Russell MP (@dean4watford) May 19, 2022
He added: "With challenges around cost of living, tips are going to have an even greater impact for hospitality workers.
"Tips should never replace a good salary, people should be paid well, but tips are an important part of hospitality workers’ income over and above salaries.
"It’s about making sure they can keep that, especially in the current climate."
Have you got a story for us? You can contact us here.
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up with all the latest news.
To receive breaking news alerts or newsletters sign up here.
Check out our Watford crime and court Facebook page here.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel