To Tip or not to Tip
 

BBC NEWS | Business | New tip rules 'could cost jobs'
New Rules come into effect next week regarding Tipping in restaurants, In the past the service charge in some cases went towards the wage of the waiters but this will now be outlaw. But will the staff in these eateries be better off, apparently not because according to experts it could cost 5000 jobs and staff will pay more NI contributions.

For my part I have never agree with obligatory Service Charges, if you want to tip a waiter or waitress after a meal that should be down to the individual not the management, its just another way of being ripped of in my book:(

Re: To Tip or not to Tip
 

I can't understand any tipping system really, would you tip the girl at the checkout, a Doctor, or in fact the wage clerk that sorts out your salary?

No, of course not, so why should you be expected to tip people in the hotel/catering industry?

It is up to the employers to pay these workers a fair rate for being courteous and attentive to their customers, that way the customer is not forced into the embarrassing situation of, do I tip or not? If I do tip how much? Do I tip even though I found the food rather bland and the service rather slow just so I don't show myself up?

Plus surely having to rely on tips to make up my wage is a demeaning situation to put any worker in isn't it?

Re: To Tip or not to Tip
 

I dont think it should be allowed for Restaurants to add a "discretionery" service charge automatically to any bill. Because although its not compulsory to pay it, most people, unless the service or food had been well below standard, would feel obliged to do so. If ive had good service/food and want to leave a tip, i always leave it in cash even if ive paid the bill with my credit/debit card, at least then you assume the staff themselves will benefit. But also i do agree that it really should not need to be classed as accepted practise to tip at all, but its a system thats ingrained into most people now, in many countries, so i'm afraid we are stuck with it.

Best Regards - Taggy

Re: To Tip or not to Tip
 

restaurant and hotels have been breaking the law for years.. not only by manipulating the law on a minimum wage but also incorperating holiday pay into an hourly rate...I don't see how this ruling will cause 5,000 job losses.
This is simply a clamp down on those employers who have been ripping off their staff and their customers... but I'm sure the Tories will find a way to wriggle out of it when they regain power.

Re: To Tip or not to Tip
 

Mancie its actually the Union that has said this, who are actually saying its the wrong time to be bringing in these new rules.

Re: To Tip or not to Tip
 

If i get a bill that has "Service Charge" on it then i do not give a tip. May be hard on the serving staff but i will not give 2 tips - what is "Service Charge" anyway? Am I required to pay it anywhere else, in a shop, supermarket or anywhere else - No

Re: To Tip or not to Tip
 

It's got nothing to do with being the right time.. it's about doing the right thing.. a concept the Tories don't understand and never will.

Re: To Tip or not to Tip
 

I leave a tip it is something i always do when out for a meal. Treat it like saying thank you.

Re: To Tip or not to Tip
 

And you think this lot in power have done the right think, they couldn't n a p*** up at Thwaites brewery

Re: To Tip or not to Tip
 

I usually ask the waiter/waitress where the tips go to, then make my mind up to tip or not depending on the answer.