November 08, 2011
Agency staff in the services industry should be given their fare share of tips from customers following new rules established under the Agency Workers Regulations (AWR).
The AWR have been under the spotlight in recent weeks, as the Government moved to enforce the scheme in early October. But until now, agency workers have not been entitled to tips as part of their pay packet and many larger hospitality chains have not shared tips with these temporary staff.
Under the changes, those establishments that take tips from customers either through credit cards or cash, and share the tips among staff, will now have to distribute them fairly with agency workers who have been with the company for at least 12 weeks.
Generally, companies divide up tips between workers based on the number of hours they work, and if your company uses this method, then you will now have to share them with agency workers. Also, if your customers pay compulsory service charges, then the same rules for agency workers apply.
For more on the AWR and how it affects your working practices, contact our experts today.
