TIPS can no longer go towards paying staff wages under new legislation, and Hackney’s Mayor, Jules Pipe, is urging residents to make sure they get a fair deal.

From October 1, employers can no longer use tips to bring their wages up to the newly increased National Minimum Wage of £5.80 an hour for workers aged 22 and over; £4.83 an hour for workers aged 18-to-21 year olds; and £3.57 an hour for young people.

Mayor Pipe said: “The minimum wage is a national standard of employment rights for every worker, and it is important in these difficult times that staff and employers alike are aware of and work within the new regulations, and make sure Hackney residents get a fair deal.”

The new regulations are aimed at preventing employees in the hospitality industry among others from being paid less than the National Minimum Wage by employers, with tips to make up the difference.

The National Minimum Wage includes homeworkers, agency workers, part-time workers, casual workers, pieceworkers, and foreign workers, and it does not matter how much experience an employee has.

If you are not receiving the new National Minimum Wage, contact the helpline anonymously and which offers support in more than 100 languages on 0800 917 2368. For more information, visit www.direct.gov.uk/nmw