LEADING employment lawyers in Dorset have warned new tipping legislation doesn’t just apply to the hospitality sector. 

New rules came into force this month requiring all employers to manage their staff tips, gratuities and service charges in accordance with fair and consistent criteria. 

It means workers will now keep 100 per cent of such discretionary payments with a total of £200m going back into their pockets, according to the Department for Business and Trade. 

Ellis Jones Solicitors, with offices in Bournemouth, Poole, Swanage, Ringwood and Wimborne, advised while restaurants, cafes, bars and pubs may be most affected, other businesses must also take notice. 

These include hotels, venues, event organisers, hairdressers, some taxi firms, funeral directors and trades such as construction and plumbing. 

Legal 500 rated lawyer Kate Brooks, head of employment at 178-strong Ellis Jones, said: “The new rules on tipping have been warmly welcomed by the majority of employers, workers and consumers. 

“Although there are exceptions for the self-employed and in cases where the employer may not be directly involved, generally the new laws apply across the board for all businesses. 

“Hospitality is the most obvious sector to be affected but we are advising employers in other industries to make sure they know what is required too. 

“This could include hotels, venues, event organisers, hairdressers, some taxi firms, funeral directors and trades.” 

Under the act, employers are required to distribute any tips the business receives fairly amongst its workers and employees without deduction. 

Workers will have the right to request more information in relation to the business’ tipping records once every three months. 

Businesses must have a written tips policy available to all customers and they are required to inform each individual worker of their entitlements. 

They must hold tipping records going back three years and have a fair process in place for resolving issues and responding to queries from workers/employees. 

Kate said: “Employers are advised to review and update their policies and procedures, and give any training necessary. 

“We find that many businesses who attend our free monthly HR forum with Rubicon People welcome advice about new employment laws which they may not have realised apply to them as well as other complex areas which need in-depth explanation.”