Service and cover charge in restaurants in UK?

I understand that from 1st October employers can not use service charge as part of minimum wages. What about COVER CHARGE? The restaurant I'm working in charging 拢1.75 per person (restaurant takings) which is main reason we having at least 50% less tips than other places around without cover charge. They paying minimum wages but tips is really desasterous because of existing cover charge.|||A cover charge is a really old fashioned idea. It was originally to cover the cost of bread, butter, condiments %26amp; laundry. Almost all establishments now incorporate these costs into the item price on the menu.


You should,of course, be better off when the new legislation comes into force, as any service charge will be added to your wages over and above the minimum wage, or whatever rate you are being paid. Please remember that tips are taxable!|||As long as you get the minimum wage your employers are obeying the law. Cover charge is their decision. In fact, how they share out tips is their decision as well - they may feel the manager deserves a higher share than the waiting staff.





Keep your eye open for a better place and quit on a really busy night.|||I don't really know the answer to your question. If I were you I would seek advise from my union or other associated bodies within your trade. They will give you the best advise and will also know all the legal loop holes.





Also speak to other people who are in a similar situation to yourself. Talking things through always helps.|||greed is how they make there money you can do better a minimum wage should be that not an average as employers have made it ps i bet employers dont like this