A Tips Bill proposed by Dean Russell, MP for Watford, has received Royal Assent.
The bill will help to ensure that workers in the hospitality industry receive tips and gratuities given by customers, rather than businesses retaining them. The arrangements will be made by each individual business, allowing teams to share the tips amongst front of house staff and staff who work behind the scenes if they so choose.
Mr Russell MP has been a driving force behind the Tips Bill, having proposed the legislation as a Private Members’ Bill.
When Mr Russell MP served as a minister last year, he became responsible for taking the bill through the committee stage, whereupon his colleague Virginia Crosbie, MP for Ynys Môn, helped to ensure passage through the final stages in Parliament, along with Lord Robathan completing the process in the Lords.
Mr Russell MP 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 law will stop this 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.”
Virginia Crosbie MP said: “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.
“Dean was a driving force for making this bill happen and it has been a pleasure working with him to achieve this important result for hospitality workers everywhere.”
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