Staff say restaurant management took fines from tips

The restaurant said it will investigate the complaints from staff

The Belfast restaurant chain Stix and Stones has said it is investigating allegations about tipping practices and wage deductions.

BBC News NI spoke to one employee at the restaurant on Upper Queen Street who suggested fines would be issued for missing uniform items amongst other issues.

The trade union Unite said it held productive talks with the restaurant on Wednesday and it would “not rest until any and all deductions to their (staff) tips have been made good by the company”.

Stix and Stones said the reported system of proposed fines “contradicts our policies”.

BBC News NI has seen texts sent to staff appearing to outline wage deductions

“We are continuing to work diligently to resolve this matter swiftly and transparently,” a statement continued.

“If any further practices are found to fall short of our standards, immediate corrective actions will be taken.”

The BBC has also seen screenshots of messages among staff and been told a collective grievance was being made to restaurant management.

From 1 October, workers in Great Britain gained legal protection to receive 100% of tips paid by customers.

However, as a devolved issue, this does not apply to workers in Northern Ireland.

Unite said 19 out of 30 employees had complained about the restaurant’s proposed practices.

The employee spoken to by the BBC, who wanted to remain anonymous, said the system began earlier this month and workers were told the collected money would be given to charity.

“It can be very spontaneous, like a pick-and-choose,” they said.

"Practices like this can't go on."

BBC News NI obtained screenshots showing details of the fine system.

It included £5 fines for missing uniform items and a table not being set correctly.

There is also a potential £10 fine for using a phone while on the restaurant floor.

The staff member also described the lack of clarity around what is fineable and what is not.

"There is not staff training to tell us what to do, and what not to do, in order to stop us getting fined."

Unite's Sharon Graham says protections must be introduced by the Stormont Executive

Staff at the restaurant reached out to Unite to serve a letter of collective grievance to Stix and Stones.

Workers asked for an independent tipping policy to be introduced.

The union said hospitality workers in Northern Ireland should have the same rights and tips protection as others in Great Britain.

“This case demonstrates why the same protections must be introduced by the Stormont executive without delay,” its general secretary Sharon Graham explained.

Stix and Stones also said it strictly adhered to His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs guidelines on tipping and “are happy to provide staff with any additional clarification needed to ensure full transparency and accountability”.

It added: “Stix & Stones remains dedicated to providing a positive working environment built on fairness, integrity, and respect.”