AN “OFFENSIVE” and “wrong-headed” government fact sheet on upcoming changes to tipping laws has been rewritten following a Unite campaign.

The Department for Business and Trade Guidance sparked union fury after releasing the guidance last month over changes coming into force October.

Its fact sheet argued that total control by workers “could risk certain groups of workers being disadvantaged by a ‘tyranny of the majority’ or even indirect discrimination.”

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Unite is glad the government saw sense and removed this insulting language towards hospitality staff, which had no place on a fact sheet released by a Labour government.

“However, the new tipping laws do not go far enough to protect workers in the sector, as the onus is still placed on guidance and consultation rather than a firm policy on collective bargaining.”

Before releasing the fact sheet, ministers reneged on a promise to hand over full control of tip allocation to workers under the new Tightening Tipping Law.

It will instead mandate that when employers draw up a tipping policy they must consult the workforce, ideally through a union or elected representatives. Any measures will be enforced via the employment tribunal system.

Unite hospitality lead organiser Bryan Simpson said: “While there are improvements to the fact sheet in terms of the removal of offensive language towards hospitality workers, Labour must come forward with a fairer system to ensure every worker gets their tips.

“Under this new law, employers will still be able to manage tips unfairly. The Act needs to be strengthened, placing workers and collective bargaining at the centre of it and Unite will continue to fight for this.”

A government spokesperson said:  “We promised to give workers a stronger voice on tipping, and that’s exactly what we’re doing.

“Our Employment Rights Act will require employers to consult with workers in a meaningful way, with trade union representatives where available, when developing or reviewing tipping policies.”