SOLIDARITY has welcomed the news that some firms will no longer be able to use tips to bring pay up to the minimum wage.

Restaurants, bars and hotels regularly raided the staff tips jar.  This is now illegal.  They will now have to display their tips and service charge policies.  Customers will then be able to see what happens to tips.

So much for the good news.  Now the bad news – the scheme is entirely voluntary and will be reviewed in a year’s time.

Earlier this year – in May – Adam Walker, the President of the Solidarity Trade Union stated that we must “ensure that 100% of tips go to staff.  Till we achieve that I suggest that consumers pay tips in cash to ensure that the staff who have impressed you with their service get the full amount."

We again highlighted the plight of low paid workers in August.

Solidarity General Executive member David Kerr said:

“Solidarity has always supported the low paid workers in the hospitality industry.  We believe that staff should be allowed to keep all of their tips”.