Making sure workers are paid fairly -

no excuses not to pay up

Labour to end tips counting towards payment of the National Minimum Wage

New powers come in to take action against rogue employers who underpay staff

The Labour Government has said that it intends to change the current minimum wage rules on tipping so that in the future, tips will be added

to the Minimum Wage.

A consultation starts this week to listen to views on exactly how this

will work on the ground.

Tony Wright MP said;

"This is a matter of fairness and common sense.  When you

go to a restaurant or to have a hair cut and leave a tip,

you expect it to go to the staff on top of their pay, not to

be put through the payroll to make up the Minimum Wage. 

“This will benefit workers throughout Great Yarmouth,

people we all rely on, but who sometimes don’t have

the strongest voice. “

And as part of Labours crackdown on those who try to exploit workers, tough new penalties for employers who underpay their staff have been made law.  This will mean that the tough new penalties come into force in April.  There could be unlimited fines for the most serious cases rather than the current maximum limit of £5,000.  It will also mean a fairer way of dealing with national minimum wage arrears, calculated so workers do not lose out.

Tony Wright MP said;

"When families are struggling with rising fuel, energy and food prices it is more important than ever to have the National Minimum Wage.  Every worker should earn a fair wage for a fair day's work - there is no excuse not to pay up. I supported and voted for the Employment Act because I wanted to see tougher action on rogue employers who con their staff.

"Rogue employers need to be exposed. If you think a rogue employer is not paying up then get in touch with me on 01493 332 291 or call the national minimum wage helpline on 0845 6000 678. And don't worry, you don’t have to give your name or details to them if you don't want to. “