Manager keeps tips Post Reply

[oneofthree]

Can anyone with children who work in hospitality explain what usually happens with tips?

My son has just worked for a couple of weeks at an event, and the manager ‘took’ but did not share the tips. I have suggested that he say something, but he doesn’t want to make a scene and potentially lose forthcoming work. It doesn’t seem right to me.

I am hoping that anyone with children doing similar could shed some light on the best way for him to deal with it before he does his next event. Thanks.

[Needcoffeenow]

Yes, all three of ours have worked in hospitality, ranging from high class events catering to down and dirty pubs. I really sympathise with your son, who no doubt put heart and soul into his job and now feels gutted, especially as tips can be generous at events. Unfortunately hospitality appears to be the wild west and managers seem to be able to act with impunity despite employment law. Our oldest son made a stand about being offered double rates for Xmas and New Year in a wine bar/restaurant and then being paid at the normal rate (he worked a 14 hour shift at one point!) and the manager told him not to come back or show his face in the pub again. Pub and restaurant chains are usually fairer and more above-board with Fullers and Youngs reckoned to be the best, for what it’s worth. I hope your son has a better experience next time.

[Needcoffeenow]

I also think he could say to the manager ‘people are asking me if serving staff get a share if the tips so what do I say?’ This is probably true and might flush out what is SUPPOSED to happen. But it is pretty brutal out there and sometimes they just have to grit their teeth and try to find a better employer next time.

[Dodododo]

Yep, it happens unfortunately!

What's even worse is that the service charge in a restaurant actually goes towards paying the staff's normal hourly wage, not as a bonus. It's an awful practice!

I would name and shame.

[Eevomi]

It's illegal under employment law to withhold tips from staff. 100% of the tips should go to them. What your son chooses to do with that information is up to him but this manager is breaking employment law, likely because he thinks he'll get away with it because young people might not know their rights.

[readysteadycook]

I have stopped tipping as standard in most restaurants now for 2 reasons

Firstly restaurants have been increasing their prices significantly, some twice a year. Another 12% on meals will stop me going out as much.

i know one restaurant on Bellevue Road where the owners keep putting up the prices as much as possible to see how much customers will pay. It’s cheeky and wrong.

Secondly, if the service is average. Why should we pay more. We need to change the culture of tipping, such as in Japan, where it’s an insult to tip.


However, if the service is good, I will definitely tip and tip well. The waiter can make the meal memorable. - it’s great when they do.

Asking to have the tip removed can be met with an awkward response from a waiter and people might feel awkward asking in front of a group. I get it isn’t always easy, but with more people not tipping, the culture will change. If we don't, the (optional remember) tip will increase to 15% or more…. Less people will eat out and food prices will increase again.

just my view !

[Mikeydon]

Oh, how incredibly generous of the manager to handle all the tips himself at the hospitality event! Clearly, he understands that the best way to motivate his hardworking staff is by sparing them the burden of dealing with extra money. It must be such a relief for the employees to know that their manager is looking out for his own financial well-being instead of theirs. Truly, what a shining example of selfless leadership and team spirit!

[oneofthree]

Hi everyone, many thanks for the clarification - depressing though it is to hear that it is more the standard then the exception.

I did tell him to do as you suggest Needcoffeenow and ask how he should reply to the question about tips. Not sure that he will but he can if he would like to. Not sure he will go any further. It is quite hard to get casual work so this does suit in many ways.

Life lessons I guess!

x

[BadHeadache]

On this topic, I was eating at Franco Manca on Northcote and asked the waitress if staff was receiving the full tip amount ald she said yes (and that generally it was a nice company to work for). Good to know :)