Scottish parties call for fair gratuities code

The calls follow accusations made by employees of the Kitchin Group that head chef Tom Kitchin and his wife took sums earned by workers at his Edinburgh restaurant Scran & Scallie.

The Kitchin Group has previously responded to the allegations.

Asked about the tips claim, a spokesman for the group said that, prior to the company’s operations being restructured last year, the allocation of money reflected directors’ “broader responsibilities”.

He added: “[Since then], as key members of the teams working daily in each individual location, the relevant directors will, of course, be allocated a share of credit card tips alongside their colleagues.

“In keeping with this policy, Tom and Michaela do not receive an allocation of tips from the Scran & Scallie, nor from the Bonnie Badger.

“Distribution of tips is done through payroll and all appropriate taxes and national insurance are paid … Directors did not receive a share of cash tips.”

Scottish Labour, Scottish Greens and the SNP have all lent their support to introducing regulations to prevent the practice of company directors skimming gratuities.

Proposals are currently being considered at Westminster to force restaurants and other businesses to hand over all money left by customers for their servers.