MPs oppose latest ruling on tips and tronc
More than 300 politicians have put their names to an early day motion at Parliament expressing "extreme concern" at the latest guidelines on tronc, which were issued last month.
The group of 315 MPs are protesting against HM Revenue and Customs' latest advice on tips, which says employers can use them to make-up the National Minimum Wage.
Ian Stewart, Labour MP for Eccles in Lancashire, said: "We are calling on the Government, as a matter of urgency, to amend the National Minimum Wage regulations to ensure that all tips, service charges, gratuities, or cover charges are paid to staff in addition to their minimum wage regardless of the payment method used by the place of employment."
The National Minimum Wage is £5.35 for adults over the age of 21.
Figures released last week showed more than £3m was recovered for low paid workers between 2005/2006. Calls to the National Minimum Wage helpline were up 10% year-on-year to 61,000 during this time. Hospitality and hairdressing showed were the two sectors that showed an increase in the number of complaints about non-payment of the minimum wage.
By Chris Druce
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