To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to protect the (1) pay, (2) conditions, and (3) employment rights, of workers in the hospitality sector, given the wage inflation seen in that sector over the past year.
Answered on
23 February 2023
Protecting and enhancing workers’ rights whilst supporting business to grow remains a priority for this government. On 1 April 2023, the Government will increase the National Living Wage (NLW) for workers aged 23 years and over by 9.7% to £10.42. This keeps the Government on track to achieve its manifesto commitment for the NLW to equal two-thirds of median earnings by 2024, providing economic conditions allow. The Employment (Allocation of Tips) Bill, sponsored by my Hon. Friend the Member for Ynys Môn, will ensure that all tips go to staff, and allows staff to bring a claim to an Employment Tribunal if businesses do not fairly distribute well-earned service charges.
Other than ensuring compliance with NMW requirements, rates of pay in the private sector are determined by negotiations between business and workers.