October go-ahead for fair tips

USING tips to make up staff pay to minimum wage levels will be outlawed from October this year, the government announced.   This will give thousands of workers fair wages and will ensure a fair and level playing field for employers and boost consumer confidence in the use of tips.  The government will also be working towards greater transparency and clarity for consumers through a new industry code of best practice. 

Employment Relations Minister Pat McFadden said:- "When people leave a tip for staff, in a restaurant or anywhere else, they have a right to know that it will not be used to make up the minimum wage.  It is also important for employers to have a level playing field on wages.  This is a basic issue of fairness.  We do not believe employers should be able to use tips meant as a bonus for staff to boost pay levels to the legal minimum.   Our consultation showed wide support for these changes, including from business groups, and we are working with them to ensure that consumers get the information they need."

The announcement is the government's response to a consultation on the use of tips, gratuities, service charges and cover charges in payment of the national minimum wage.   The consultation received wide support for the government's plans to ensure tips are not used to make up the minimum wage - a majority of businesses responding to the consultation backed the proposed changes.   The government is working with consumer and business groups over ways of boosting clarity and information, which could include a new scheme for participating businesses to promote clear tipping practices. 

Steve Brooker, markets expert for Consumer Focus, said:- "We are glad the Government has listened to calls from Consumer Focus and other groups to close the outrageous loophole allowing employers to use tips to make up the minimum wage.   This is a real victory for common sense, for both employees and consumers.   From October customers can be confident their tips will always go to waiting staff, which will allow employees to fully reap these rewards.  In the meantime we would urge consumers to pay their tips in cash to ensure staff receive the full amount."

A spokesperson for Pizza Hut said:- "We are pleased that the Government has finally closed the loophole that allows employers to top up staff wages with tips.  We have always ensured our employees receive 100% of their tips on top of wages and have been calling for an industry commitment to fair tips for some time.    We would be delighted to work with the Department for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform to help develop a best code of practice for the industry."

It’s a Knockout! Could You Take Up The Challenge?

DUE to the fantastic success that was Children Today’s ‘It’s a Knockout’ Challenges in 2008, we are pleased to announce that this event will be taking place again on Sunday 19 July 2009 at Riversdale Police Club at Aigburth in Liverpool.   This wacky and wild local event will be hosted by the ‘Utterly Brilliant’ Timmy Mallett.  Children Today are looking for teams of up to 10 people to take part with a minimum sponsorship of £1000.  Local fundraiser Elizabeth Oakes commented:- “This will be a fun day for everyone involved! And at the same time the sponsorship monies raised will go towards helping Children Today purchase vitally important life changing specialised equipment for disabled and sick children in the local area.”  If you are game for a laugh, don’t mind getting soaking wet and covered in foam then what are you waiting for?  Sign up today for this hugely enjoyable version of the much loved television classic.

For further details please call the events teams on:- 01244 335622 or you can also email then via:- ceri@childrentoday.org.uk. 

Liverpool ONE – A Year in Pictures Exhibition

IT has been almost a year since the £1bn Liverpool ONE development, Europe’s largest urban and retail led city centre regeneration project, opened its streets to the public for the first time.   And what a year it’s been!

The 29 May 2008 saw 200,000 people walk the streets of Liverpool ONE for the very first time. Since then millions of shoppers have followed suit.

Liverpool ONE has welcomed a host of new names to its shopping portfolio, from Pull & Bear (the first store of its kind to open in the UK) to Cath Kidston, and is anchored by two of the biggest names in retail; John Lewis and Debenhams. New and exciting retailers fill every inch of the 42-acre development from South John Street to Paradise Street and into Peter’s Lane and Keys Court.

The Leisure Terrace, with its stunning view across Chavasse Park, passed the new Hilton and One Park West, and down to the historic docks, has opened a plethora of some of the best loved restaurants including Wagamammas, Zeligs and Yo Sushi!

The Odeon Cinema, with its 14-screens, has showcased everything from James Bond to the new Wolverine movie, and made headlines as one of the UK’s busiest cinemas.

We have welcomed The Queen and the Princess Royal. Celebrities and VIPs have flocked to shop and enjoy Liverpool ONE, from Tim Cahill to Gok Wan!

It’s been a year to remember and we want you to share your memories and pictures with us. To celebrate the first anniversary of the opening of Liverpool ONE we are asking you for your memory, your favourite image of Liverpool ONE.

Whether it is a photo of you and your loved ones enjoying your time in Liverpool ONE or an artistic shot of the development as the cranes filled the skyline, we want to see it.

All entries will be reviewed and showcased on the Liverpool ONE website picture gallery. A selection of the judges’ favourites will form a special ‘Liverpool ONE - A Year in Pictures’ exhibition, which will be unveiled in Liverpool ONE on Friday 29 May 2009 as part of the 1st anniversary celebrations.

Anniversary celebrations will centre on Chavasse Park at the heart of Liverpool ONE on Friday, 29 May 2009. Entertainment will include al fresco dining on Chavasse Park with musical entertainment throughout the evening and a whole host of family fun.

All entries to be sent to images@liverpool-one.com

Deadline for entries is Friday, 15 May 2009

Photos to be sent was high res jpegs with contacts details

For more details please visit:- www.liverpool-one.com

Terms:-

There is no limit to the number of entries per person

Deadline for entries is Friday, 15 May 2009

Your image must be at least 300dpi

Please supply us with your full name, email address and a contact number or we won’t be able to use your entry in the exhibition

Your submission must be your original image and must not breech any copywrite laws.