T.G.I. Friday's backs 'fair tips' charter

Destination bar group T.G.I. Friday's has pledged to distribute 100 per cent of tips to staff.

The bar operator is backing a new campaign launched by trade union Unite. The Fair Tips Charter, which is being supported by the Daily Mirror newspaper, calls on pubs and restaurants to ensure tips and service charges are distributed fairly among staff.

Pizza Hut has also signed up to the charter. Last month, Unite demonstrated outside a branch of rival chain Pizza Express, calling for the reinstatement and employee the union claimed was sacked for speaking out over deductions from staff tips.

A number of operators deduct administration fees from tips or include tips when calculating minimum wage payments.

Tony Woodley, Unite Joint General Secretary said: "Customers want to see that the tips they leave are going to the hard-working staff who serve them. Our Fair Tips Charter will enable people to tip with confidence.

"Employers in the hospitality industry must ensure that all employees receive a decent living wage with 100 per cent of tips added on top.

"We welcome the commitment by Pizza Hut and TGI Friday's to take a lead on this issue by signing the charter. The union now wants others within the sector to demonstrate their commitment to a fair and transparent tipping system."

T.G.I. Friday's was originally launched in the UK by Whitbread, franchised from the US brand owners, but was sold last year.