h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Are there any rules or laws that govern how tips are shared out between staff and is it legal for a boss to keep them all to make up any shortfalls in the till takings or to withhold them from a member of staff who isn't pulling their weight? Or is it purely an individual agreement at each establishment or down to each bosses disgresion?

Why do people on here never mention which country they are talking about?

I have worked under three systems in the UK -

1. All the tips are collected and then shared out at the end of the season (which allows kitchen staff a share)
2. All the tips are collected and then shared out at the end of the shift and only between the waiting staff
3. You keep the tips you get.

I am not sure about the legal side, but I would not be working long for a boss that either kept them all, or even took money out of them for making up the till. Until later...
BCNU - Crescent

Sorry xantic I'm from England

Oh I missed your other 'a' sorry again....

I have asked the waiters in a couple of dodgy restaurants if they received their tips only to be told 'No'. Apparantly restaurant owners kept them

What, if anything, could be done ?

I don't know if anything can be done. If a customer puts a tip into your hand and says thanks for the good service, surely that money is yours, it has been given to you directly and is yours to keep or share as you see fit, what right has your employer got to take it of off you? But I suppose as you are employed by them there is some law that says otheriwse.

I don't think there is a 'law' here

I just wondered if the waiters and waitresses were illegal immigrants/no work visa/moonlighters etc

Poor devils wouldn't have a leg to stand on.

I always leave the tip on the table where the waiter clearing the table will find it. It never goes anywhere near the owner of the restaurant.

Sorry Gnomon, but it doesn't always work that way.

I know a couple of medical students who moonlight and there is no way they get their tips.

Does anyone *Ever* add any money to the line that says, gratuity on the visa/credit card payslip?

I know I don't. Cash only for me - at least that way there's a better chance of it actually going to the waiter than straight into the profits.

Yes ! Me !

And that still goes to the proprietor. I suppose it could be reported to the IR....but who could be bothered