ontradescotland.co.uk Official Partners Magazine June 2024 DARE TO BE DIFFERENT
Welcome to the June edition of OnTrade Scotland Magazine
We have a mantra of “ Dare To Be Different” and that applies to not just to the material we produce and how we go about things it also applies to supporting collaboration, other ideas, regardless of gender, sexual preference or any other identifying characteristic that that makes people the amazing individuals they are across our industry.
Inclusive, collaborative, passionate people are the core of our industry as well as the brands and that is why we are proud to support Pride Month month.
BE WHO YOU ARE BE THE BEST YOU CAN BE DON’T APOLOGISE FOR BEING DIFFERENT STAND OUT
This month we have features from Flight Club, Platform & Van Winkle as well as some images from OnTrade Connect
The event was a first taste of doing a trade event and networking event in a better way with the focus on bringing likeminded people together from across the industry to really CONNECT
We hope everyone that was able to attend were able to take something positive from the event.
We want to thank our speakers Michael Bergson, Stephen Montgomery & Dean Banks for their fantastic insight and all of the exhibitors for their great pop ups and engagement.
Watch this space for the next one !! AS ALWAYS
STAY COLLABORATIVE STAY POSITIVE STAY TOGETHER
HAVE AN AMAZING JUNE
Justin Wingate Director at TopGunMedia
Hayley Ewing Head of Events - events@topgunmedia.co.uk
Fiona Gauld Production - info@topgunmedia.co.uk
For press enquires or advertising opportunists please call or email: Email: info@topgunmedia.co.uk Telephone: 0141 556 4111 8 6 14
Watt a Time to Get Creative A Platform for Growth The First Rule of Flight Club is … Navigating the New UK Tipping Rules 28 3
Industry News
SCOTTISH HOSPITALITY GROUP ONE OF THE BEST PLACES TO WORK
Leading Scottish hospitality group, Signature Group, headquartered in Edinburgh, has been recognised in the UK’s prestigious ‘Sunday Times Best Places to Work’ list for 2024.
The Scottish hospitality collection of restaurants, pubs, bars, hotel rooms and even a brewery employs 650 people across 20 venues in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, St Andrews and Stirling.
Signature Group was recognised for its commitment to nurturing talent through its Aspire and Inspire training courses for junior and senior managers as well as employee benefits including free food on shift, between 25% - 50% discount in venues,birthday days off, staff taxi contribution, Signature Dollars Rewards and an Employee Assistance Programme.
Oliwer Nylander has been with Signature Group for three years, joining the team at The Queens Arms as Deputy Manager in 2021. He is now General Manager of The Queens Arms and has benefited from both the Aspire and Inspire training courses, Oliwer said:
“I’m very fortunate to have been given brilliant training opportunities at Signature Group to develop my career skills and personal growth. I have learned how to communicate better with the variety of personalities in my own team. My training has given me the skills to be able to challenge myself and the team to communicate better and manage the business more strategically. The supportive forum of the training days is always one of the highlights of my week, and I would recommend Signature Group to any aspiring hospitality manager.”
Nic Wood, Owner and Managing Director at Signature Group, said: “Hospitality has evolved in the last few years. Our customer needs have changed, sometimes beyond recognition, and our teams are continuously adapting to ensure their needs are always exceeded. Our teams reflect the success of our business - and it’s become increasingly apparent we truly are nothing without our people. We aim to promote from within and provide excellent progression opportunities and careers – this is something we champion and are proud of. It’s also vital that people have fun along the way whilst feeling cared for and empowered.
“Our mission is to serve happiness, and we can’t do that without the best people and this accolade is testimony to their commitment to our cause and we thank them for their participation in this initiative.”
SLTA RESPONDS TO FIRST MINISTER JOHN SWINNEY’S PRIORITIES FOR SCOTLAND
The SLTA (Scottish Licensed Trade Association), having previously urged Scotland’s new First Minister to pick up on his predecessor Humza Yousaf’s pledge to work with the business community and implement an urgent reset in the relationship between the Scottish Government and businesses, has welcomed John Swinney’s declaration that growing the economy will be one of his four priorities.
Colin Wilkinson, SLTA managing director, said: “This is excellent news for the licensed trade and hospitality businesses and Scotland’s wider business community. We are ready to speak to Mr Swinney and Cabinet Secretary for Economy Kate Forbes and working with the Scottish Government to help guide policy and strategy for the benefit of businesses in the licensed hospitality and tourism industry.
“As we have previously highlighted, there are myriad problems and challenges facing what is one of the biggest employers in Scotland and these early signs that Mr Swinney’s government wants to understand and work with our sector is a positive step change following the chaotic handling of the deposit return scheme (DRS) and misplaced legislation that burdens businesses in red tape and unnecessary bureaucracy.
“Our industry also wants to see progress on the delivery of the Scottish Government’s New Deal for Business and we reiterate once again that a key ask of the new regime at Holyrood is to work with us to find a meaningful solution to change the current non-domestic rates system which is particularly unfair to licensed hospitality businesses, hugely outdated and in need of reform.”
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AMED ISLAY DISTILLERIES ARE SET TO ILLUMINATE FÈIS ÌLE 2024 FOR FANS VISITING FROM ACROSS THE GLOBE
Two of Islay’s best-loved single malt distilleries, Lagavulin and Caol Ila are launching three limited-edition bottlings to celebrate Fèis Ìle 2024 - offering new and unique expressions to fans visiting from across the globe.
At Lagavulin, the distillery is pushing the boundaries of flavour by unveiling two exceptional bottlings to celebrate Fèis Ìle - the Lagavulin Skies of Fèis Ìle 29-Year Old and
the Lagavulin Fèis Ìle 2024 10-Year-Old – whilst Caol Ila explores fruity maritime and smoky notes with the Caol Ila Fèis Ìle 2024 13-Year-Old.
Lagavulin Skies of Fèis Ìle, inspired by one of the world’s most spectacular displays in the night sky, the aurora borealis, which can at times be seen as it illuminates the skies of Islay, celebrates the magnetic power of this iconic Islay distillery.
With its luminously deep amber hue and intense fruity notes, this unique release has been finished in a heavily charred Amoroso-seasoned American Oak hogshead cask. Only a limited number of bottles will be available at Fèis Ìle and each one will be personally hand filled and signed by Distillery Manager, Jordan Paisley.
Whisky expert and author, Charles MacLean describes Lagavulin Skies of Fèis Ìle: “As good as it gets! This is a hugely satisfying and complex whisky and a superb example of Lagavulin, whose distillery character still shines through its considerable age and unique finishing.”
The dedicated team at the distillery utilised malt with higher peating levels than usual and matured its resulting liquid in refill, heavily charred and first fill ex-bourbon American oak hogshead casks to create this powerful expression.
SCOTLAND FOOD & DRINK WELCOMES THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENT TO ECONOMIC GROWTH
This morning, Scotland Food & Drink attended a speech in Glasgow by First Minister John Swinney and Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes.
Iain Baxter, CEO of Scotland Food & Drink, said: “The First Minister and Deputy First Minister this morning laid out their vision for Scotland’s economic future and the key principles that will underpin it. We are pleased to see their renewed commitment to economic growth and the vital role our food and drink businesses will play. As Scotland’s largest manufacturing sector, it plays a critical role in many rural and coastal communities.
“Ms Forbes articulated her vision for a prosperous economy, emphasising the need for businesses to collaborate with the Scottish Government on a journey of innovation, inward investment, and sustainable use of our natural resources. We welcome this vision and the Deputy First Minister’s recognition of Scotland’s food and drink as the best produce in the world, highlighting the significant potential we have yet to fully unlock.
“The First Minister elaborated on the government’s strategic approach, which is underpinned by policies aimed at eradicating child poverty while fostering a strong, innovative, and dynamic economy. He stressed that there is no conflict between economic growth and eradicating child poverty. We agree that these goals are interlinked and can be mutually reinforcing.
“The guiding principles shared today reflect a commitment to partnership between businesses, communities, and wider stakeholders. The First Minister’s call for concrete actions aligns with our delivery plans, ensuring tangible progress throughout the food and drink supply chain. The emphasis on building a resilient economy through strong supply chains aligns with the objectives set out in our industry strategy: Sustaining Scotland; Supplying the World.
“Scotland Food & Drink is proud to support the Scottish Government’s vision of a wellbeing economy. We firmly believe that economic growth is essential to generate additional value, enabling investment in public services, infrastructure, and innovation – all crucial for societal wellbeing. Growth creates employment opportunities, reduces poverty, and enhances environmental sustainability through cleaner technologies and practices.
Brand News
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WATT A TIME TO GET CREATIVE
WATTSHOT is a premium shot company at the forefront of the industry´s innovation offering consumers an opportunity to enjoy a new way of drinking shots.
WATTSHOT is a premium shot company at the forefront of the industry´s innovation offering consumers an opportunity to enjoy a new way of drinking shots. We aim to give the customer a more enjoyable experience when consuming. WATTSHOT has a range of unique flavours and spirits however has launched with the standout gin and cherry. We combined a scientific approach with all-natural ingredients - a unique mix of eight rooted botanicals and cherry juice - to create this shot, using compatible molecules to remove the need for a mixer while balancing allnatural sugars, amino acids, salts, alkaloids and acids, the key factors that determine taste.
shot also make it a versatile drink, more flavourful than other gins when enjoyed over ice, added to tonic, or mixed into a variety of delicious and stylish cocktails.
Bar Manager and mixologist of The Spiritualist
We were impressed with Wattshot.
As a gin it would work really well as a shot, The cherry flavouring shines through and we were impressed with the popping candy feeling you could taste if you leave it on the palate.
The result is something different and very special. The instructions are simple: drink chilled, take a shot, hold it in your mouth for one - two seconds, then swallow and enjoy the effect.
For those who prefer to drink their gin in a more traditional fashion, the standalone flavours of WATTSHOT’s premium gin
There’s definitely some versatility to Wattshot. We made it into a flavoured gimlet, pairing the cherry flavours with mango and it worked quite well. With it being a gin it also means you can build a cocktail idea around it as the base spirit too. There’s a sweetness to it that would definitely allow for some experimentation as well.
Definitely something a bit different from the norm.
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A PLATFORM FOR GROWTH
There are venues and then there are VENUES … and this month we take a look at one with a unique history and a special kind of vibe.
Platform is a unique event venue nestled in the heart of the city. Originally built in 1906 as a train station, it boasts six interconnected arches, each with its own distinct character and capacity. We’ve meticulously restored these spaces to preserve their historical charm while incorporating modern amenities. Known for its industrial chic décor and spacious, open-plan layout, this dynamic social hub spans a vast 35,000 square feet and has become a popular destination for both locals and visitors.
Today, Platform serves as an exceptional location for a diverse range of events, including corporate events, product launches, wrap parties, weddings, music event and more. In addition to our versatile event spaces, we have Platform One, our bar and small plates area. It’s the perfect place for people to gather, enjoy different events, and always enjoy live music, making it a
lively social hub within the venue.
Creating a unique experience is vital for building lasting relationships with our customers. We blend historical architecture with modern flexibility to make each event truly special and personalised. Our start-to-finish event planning and delivery mean clients never have to deal with third parties—we handle everything in-house, from catering to décor. This allows our clients to focus on their guests and enjoy the event.
We take great pride in our returning clients. Thanks to our central location, diverse event spaces, and efficient service, we’ve cultivated a strong sense of community within Glasgow’s creative scene. Beyond standard offerings, we incorporate innovative event production and immersive experiences to
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ensure there’s always something new and exciting happening. This dedication helps us build lasting relationships with our customers, making Platform a vibrant and continually evolving venue.
Glasgow thrives on a strong sense of community, and our partnerships with nearby businesses have significantly enhanced the experiences we offer to our clients and guests. Sharing resources and ideas not only elevates individual events but also contributes to a vibrant and interconnected local economy.
Did you know Platform is located in a historically significant space right in the heart of Glasgow city centre? It’s tucked under the iconic Argyle Street Bridge, also known as The Hielanman’s Umbrella. This venue is steeped in local history and community spirit. It sits beneath Central Station, which was built in the late 19th century, preserving its historical charm while offering a lively, modern atmosphere. Plus, Platform is committed to sustainability, often sourcing from local vendors to support the community and reduce its environmental footprint. We also showcase local talent, adding to the rich cultural experience the venue offers.
Our customers consistently praise our venue for its unique and inviting atmosphere. The exposed brick walls and open space provide a versatile backdrop filled with endless possibilities, making it perfect for various events. Our bespoke services and dedicated in-house team ensure that every
event is tailored to perfection.
The feedback is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting our diverse food options, which include an array of small plates and a selection of craft beers, cocktails, wines, and spirits. The communal seating arrangement not only encourages socialising but also fosters a strong sense of community. Many customers appreciate the welcoming environment, making our venue a popular spot for friends, colleagues, and families to gather and enjoy quality time together.
Platform One, our bar and small plates underwent a trendy transformation and relaunched to the public in late 2023. This year, we’re thrilled to announce an exciting lineup of summer events starting with the UEFA Euros, where you can catch all the football action with us. Families can join our fun-filled pizzamaking days, perfect for creating delicious memories together.
Our Summer Holiday Cinema Club offers more than just movies, it’s a full entertainment experience that includes popcorn, fun discos, and special appearances from favourite characters.
Don’t miss the re-opening of our Courtyard, one of Glasgow’s very few outdoor beer gardens, where you can finally soak up the sunshine. And that’s not all—there are even more surprises in store that we can’t reveal just yet. These events ensure there’s something for everyone, keeping our space lively and engaging all year round.
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THE FIRST RULE OF FLIGHT CLUB IS...
THE EXPERIENCE! On walking through the doors of the venue you can’t fail to be wowed by the theatre that takes you to a vintage carnival atmosphere that P.T. Barnum himself would be proud of.
In 2012, when co-founders Steve Moore and Paul Barham saw a group of young people going crazy over a game of darts in a Devon pub, they saw an opportunity.
The game they were playing wasn’t like traditional darts, this was loud, fast and exciting. This gave them an idea to reinvent darts for the 21st century and combine that with the nostalgia of a traditional British pub. This new concept would become what they called Social Darts.
After launching the first Flight Club in Shoreditch back in 2015, there are now 20 Flight Club venues across the UK, the United States and Australia*.
Flight Club Glasgow and Flight Club Edinburgh are the latest Flight Club venues, opening in October and November 2023 respectively. Left abandoned for nearly a decade, the grade II building that houses Flight Club Glasgow was transformed from
an old tax hall into the vibrant bar it is today, inspired by a fairground master’s emporium and study. Flight Club Edinburgh is in a much more contemporary building, within St James’ Quarter.
It’s widely reported that Gen Z is drinking less than any other generation, and people are more thoughtful about where they spend their time and money. People want more from their nights out.
When we created Flight Club, we wanted to create a memorable experience that offers more than an average pub or bar night out. The pub vibe, delicious food and drink, fast-paced games that anyone can play, and great customer service are a winning combination. Flight Club delivers this, and it’s why we continue to have customers coming through our doors in their droves.
One thing that is for certain is the sense of community within the
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hospitality industry across the cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow. We are lucky to have been welcomed by all venues nearby with such open arms – whether that has been visiting us from opening week last year, allowing us to borrow ice, to making the most of our 33% industry discount on weekly basis! Recommendations go a long way in this industry, and we are ecstatic with the feedback we have received from all our neighbours.
Our in-house interior design team is hugely passionate about bringing Flight Club’s signature style to every venue, which includes a mix of the fun of the fairground and the traditional British pub and nods to the heritage of the venue’s location. At Flight Club Glasgow, you’ll find a beautiful bespoke organ behind the bar (like those historically found at the fairgrounds of the 1800s), which consists of 252 pipes that include conductor figures representing Lady Luck.
Another fun fact: Sixty-one cows, inspired by Scotland’s Highland Cows, are featured in paintings throughout the venue. Flight Club Edinburgh boasts the first model train that makes its way round a track that winds around the venue. Customers can also look out for our homage to Fiona, the UK’s loneliest sheep. Fiona was recently rescued from the foot of the Cromarty Firth cliffs and had been living there alone for at least two years.
A lot of the initial feedback we receive from guests is about the venue itself and how beautiful it is. You see a lot of pleasantly surprised and shocked faces when they walk in the door for the
first time. Camera phones are usually out taking photos almost immediately if it is their first visit with us.
As often as we receive great feedback surrounding the venue, we get lots of groups approaching staff and management to say how much they enjoyed the darts and how fun the games are. Plenty of our guests haven’t ever played any form of darts before and aren’t sure what to expect but end up having such memorable experiences.
As of 24th May, Flight Club in Bloom launches across the Flight Club Estate. In celebration of the impending arrival of the Great British Summertime, Flight Club will inject some floral fancy into its cocktail list with a new limited-edition menu created in collaboration with premium tequila brand, Casamigos. Cocktails include Spicy Watermelon Margarita, Rhubarb Bramble and Botanical Garden Spritz. These summer tipples will be available in every Flight Club across the UK, including Edinburgh and Glasgow, until September.
In addition to glorious cocktails, guests at Flight Club this summer can enjoy a mouthwatering food menu of juicy burgers, sourdough paddle board pizzas and sharers like firecrackerloaded waffle fries.
*Flight Club is operated under license in the United States and Australia. State of Play operate in the U.S., while NightOwl Entertainment has taken the brand Down Under.
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CIARAN CRACKS THEM UP AT VAN WINKLE
Van Winkle the hugely popular venue with sites in both the the east end of Glasgow at the Barras and in the west end near park circus have a tradition of hosting live music and creating a great atmosphere for customers and recently looked to change that up by featuring a unique show by comedy sensation Ciaran Whyte at the west end venue.
Ciaren who brings a unique mix of traditional live Scottish comedy music to audiences on his tour which this year not only includes the Edinburgh Fringe but also dates in Germany following the national teams exploits in this years Euros. Van Winkle West End hosted the gig in association with OnTrade Scotland & Royal Mash Vintage Vodka to showcase Ciarens performance to a sell out crowd.
The audience was a refreshing mix of all ages enjoying great tunes like “ The Barras “ “ The Choochter from Skye “ and more that had the crowd in stitches from start to finish.
You can check out Ciarens future dates on his instagram or other socials and check out Van Winkle’s website and socials for other great events coming soon.
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SURPRISE TAKE THAT OPENER, ANNOUNCES DEBUT SINGLE RELEASED
THIS FRIDAY
Daniel Rooney has become known as “Take That guy” on the back of his once-in-a-lifetime big break moment a few weeks ago – and it wasn’t a stunt, despite seeming the perfect Hollywood moment.
With his debut single Old Ways out today - an original song written with his best mate turned manager Steff Corr – and serious interest from industry heavyweights, Daniel is well on his way to building a career from that crazy foundation.
Daniel was “discovered” by Hollywood showbiz expert Ross King, playing in the bar at Radisson RED.
Ross suggested Dan stand in for Olly Murs at the Take That Hydro show, and 20 minutes later the Cambuslang singer was on stage in front of 14,000 fans.
And despite the doubts from fans, friends and even family, Daniel insists nothing was staged or planned,
Ross is NOT his manager and the whole thing happened just as it seemed.. out of the blue.
Daniel said: “The story is all legit. A lot of people think it’s made up and Ross King is my manager, which isn’t true.
“Ross was just in the restaurant that night having dinner with his family. He was going to the gig, we had never met each other before or even spoken – he didn’t know who I was and was there by coincidence after having drinks in the Sky Bar with pals the week before. They were full when he came back that day, so they gave him a table in the Oui Bar where I was playing.
“Throughout the last few weeks we’ve been keeping in touch and doing interviews with each other. He’s been great and he is checking in on me and making sure I’m coping with all the
craziness. He has been brilliant, really helping and supporting all he can.
“And now the single is out he’s going to hopefully help me with a little promotion - like when he’s on Lorraine he can mention it and stuff. He’s been great and I want to thank him for sticking his neck out for a guy he didn’t even know, just liking what I did in the bar and deciding to help.”
Ross has been a huge figure in Scottish media for decades, from hosting radio and TV shows to now being
Mr Hollywood for so many UK shows at his home in the iconic hills above LA.
And he is thrilled that chance he took by texting Gary Barlow about Daniel looks like becoming a genuine career for the Cambuslang singer.
Ross said: “I absolutely love Daniel’s new single Old Ways. It shows off his wonderful talent as a singer/song writer. I’m so thrilled to have played a small part in bringing him to a bigger stage and letting people see just how good he is!”.
Daniel admits it does all sound like a film – and while Netflix haven’t been in touch yet, it does seem just the kind of story they’d be all over.
He laughed: “The story does feel like a cheesy Hollywood film. Maybe Netflix will get in touch and they can make a movie about it, who knows the way it’s all been over the weeks since.
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As a proud partner of OnTrade Scotland, I’m pleased to be able to support many of the top hospitality venues in Scotland and beyond. If you would like to speak with me about our integrated payments, Bookings system or schedule in a demo to discuss things in more detail, I’d love to hear from you!
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Since our humble beginnings nearly 70 years ago when the Company was founded by Bobby Lynas, Lynas Foodservice has been dedicated to one word, Service.
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We deliver to over 5,000 independant and chain customers every week throughout Ireland and Scotland. Our customers come from right across the catering spectrum so with our extensive range we will have the right product to suit your needs and your business.
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NAVIGATING THE NEW UK TIPPING RULES: A GUIDE FOR EMPLOYERS
On 1 October 2024, new UK-wide legislation on tipping will come into force, significantly altering the landscape for restaurants and other hospitality outlets. These changes mandate that tips must be passed onto all workers fairly without any deductions being made, with businesses required to have a written policy and keep records detailing how tips have been dealt with.
The new legislation introduces a number of challenges for restaurants and other hospitality outlets in the UK and, if not adhered to, could have substantial financial consequences for businesses with awards of up to £5,000 per employee to reflect losses suffered. The broader implications of the new tipping legislation could also present unforeseen challenges for employers. The potential for uncapped compensation claims, particularly if tipping practices are found to be discriminatory, is a notable concern.
To navigate the new legislation and effectively minimise risks, employers should establish a clear and comprehensive tipping policy. Relying on generic templates from the internet may come with risks, as often they will not fit the specific nuances of your business. Instead, the policy should accurately reflect tipping practices to ensure compliance with the new legislation. The policy should be made accessible to all workers and should clearly outline how tips will be
distributed among its workers. Transparency is key; workers need to understand the rationale behind the distribution method, especially if the same proportion of tips is not allocated to all workers.
There may be legitimate reasons for businesses to not allocate the same proportion of tips to all workers, however it is important that the reasons for doing so are clearly communicated and documented to avoid perceptions of unfairness or potential claims of discrimination. By being upfront and transparent, employers can develop an atmosphere of trust and fairness within their business, which is essential to maintaining a positive working environment.
Secondly, maintaining detailed and accurate records of tips and their distribution is not only going to be a legal requirement, but also a crucial practice to defend against potential disputes. If there are any inconsistencies in your tipping records or it shows that
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tips have not been distributed fairly, this information can be used by employees to bring a claim against your business.
Ensuring you’re ready to respond promptly to employee requests for information is another must. Under the new legislation, employees have the right to request sight of tipping records. Employers must respond within four weeks from the date it was requested, so it is imperative to be in a position to handle these requests promptly.
By doing so, employers can prevent escalation of a potential issue and demonstrate commitment to fairness and transparency. Failing to provide this information timeously can not only damage employee trust but also lead to legal challenges.
While the new legislation focuses on ensuring that tips are distributed to employees fairly without deductions being made, businesses should also be vigilant of the broader implications. There is a risk of discrimination claims if tipping practices are not perceived as fair. For example, if tips are distributed in a way that disproportionately puts certain groups of workers at
a disadvantage, it could lead to claims of indirect discrimination. Employers must take care to ensure that their tipping policies do not disadvantage any group based on characteristics such as sex, race or religion, disability or age.
Furthermore, the new legislation could give rise to whistleblowing claims if workers believe that their employer’s tipping practices are not compliant with the new legislation. Whistleblowing protections are robust, and compensation in such cases can be substantial, with no upper limit.
The new UK tipping legislation presents both challenges and opportunities for the hospitality industry in the UK. By establishing a clear tipping policy, maintaining detailed and accurate records, and responding promptly to information requests, employers can navigate these changes effectively. However, the broader risks highlight the need for ongoing vigilance and a commitment to fairness and transparency. By taking these steps, employers can not only ensure compliance but also promote a positive and equitable workplace culture.
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