From 1 October 2009 Employers will be unable to use any tips received to make up the wages of their employees to the minimum wage.

Previously tips paid through the employer’s system may be included, but the Government, having consulted on the matter have agreed not to allow it in future.

On the face of it, the effect of this will be to give all employers a level playing field to play on, and also to ensure that customers leaving tips will be assured that they will not be taken by the employer to use to pay wages.

However, cynically I do query how it prevents the unscrupulous employer taking the tips and keeping them in any event!