Workers in pubs, bars and restaurants in Watford will be guaranteed tips from customers - rather than the employer or business retaining them - after a new law was given Royal Assent.

The victory on Tuesday follows years of campaigning on the Tips Bill by Watford's Conservative MP Dean Russell, who proposed the legislation as a Private Members Bill.

It will protect the rights of staff, or teams of staff, and will ensure that they receive their fair share of tips and gratuities. 

Mr Russell said: “I am very pleased that my Tips Bill has received Royal Assent. Hard working people working in hospitality in Watford and across the country will be able to retain their tips, knowing that they will now have a fair deal. 

"I have always had reservations that some employers kept tips which were earnt by their staff. This new law will stop this immediately and will ensure that the tips are given to the individual staff member, or team. 

"I would like to pass on my sincere thanks to every business and individual who has been in touch to share their support for my Bill". 

Arrangements will be made by each individual business, as some teams like to share the tips amongst the front of office staff and the staff who work behind the scenes. 

Mr Russell became responsible for taking the bill through the committee stage whereupon his colleague Virginia Crosbie MP helped to ensure passage through the final stages in Parliament along with Lord Robathan completing the process in the Lords. 

Virginia Crosbie, Conservative MP for Ynys Môn, said: “I am pleased this bill is now law. Driving it forward was all about fairness for workers and for those who give tips for good service. It was never right that a minority of companies could pocket tips when the public wanted them to go to the person who served them or made their food. 

"The law will now boost wages for what are often lower paid jobs and not boost company profits at the expense of hard-working staff. But it is also about valuing the people who do important jobs in our economy, especially in tourist areas like Anglesey, and I am proud to have played my part”. 

UK Hospitality Chief Executive, Kate Nicholls, said: “Fantastic hospitality experiences don’t happen without a huge effort from our teams, both front and back of house, and tips are a generous way of customers showing their gratitude, while providing a welcome boost to employees’ earnings. Tips are just one part of what makes working in hospitality a great job and career."