Are you paying your staff in line with the National Minimum Wage? Are you sure? Some 43 employers from the hospitality sector have appeared on the government’s latest list of companies, for having failed to pay their staff the National Minimum Wage. Among those on the list are Wagamama and TGI Fridays, both of whom fell foul of the legislation as a direct result of their uniform policy.
It stands to reason that if you require staff to contribute to branded uniform items that you would then need to take such payments or deductions into consideration for the purpose of ensuring the National Minimum Wage requirements are met. But what about a pair of black trousers? Surely everyone has a pair of those languishing in their wardrobe? Suddenly it becomes easier to see how the likes of Wagamama and TGI Friday’s could have come unstuck!
Wagamama attributed their blunder to “an inadvertent misunderstanding” of the rules on staff uniform. They had asked their front of house staff to wear black jeans or a black skirt with their branded top which constituted a requirement for those staff members to purchase a form of uniform. The same went for TGI Fridays who had made provision in their uniform policy as to the type of shoe to be worn by its front of house staff. Both Wagamama and TGI Fridays have now had to repay affected employees for those items.
If you are worried that your business could face similar issues it may be time to consider some swift amendments to your company handbook and/or uniform policy. As always, this is something that Employee Management Limited are ready to assist you with. Contact us today and let’s get the ball rolling.