UK Tipping Act

Tipping Policy Information for Guests – Archerfield House Hotel Management Limited

Purpose

• The purpose of this policy is to guide our guests in the practice of tipping while ensuring transparency and fairness in how tips are distributed among staff. The policy complies with the Employment (Allocation of Tips) Act 2023 (UK Tipping Act) and promotes an environment of gratitude and recognition for the services provided by our employees.

Scope

• This policy applies to all staff at Archerfield House Hotel Management Limited, including full-time, part-time, casual, agency, and temporary workers, eligible to receive tips or service charges as outlined in this policy.

Tipping Guidelines for Guests

• Tips/Gratuities: Voluntary payments made by guests for good service.Service Charges: Mandatory charges added to a guest’s bill that are distributed to staff.

• Direct Tips: Guests may choose to leave tips directly with individual staff members. In such cases, these tips belong entirely to the employee and are outside of the company’s distribution policy.

How Tips are Handled

• Cash Tips: Cash tips left for specific employees go directly to that individualand are outside of the company’s distribution policy.

• Card Payments: Tips added to credit or debit card payments are pooled and distributed among all staff working in the area where the tip was received, ensuring that both front-of-house and back-of-house staff are fairly rewarded.

• Service Charges: Any service charge added to a bill is distributed among staff according to a pre-determined and transparent formula, which takes into account the roles and hours worked.

Departmental Tip Allocation

• Spa:
Tips received will be allocated daily based on the number of hours worked by each employee worked within the Spa area.

• Accommodation and Events:
Any service charges received in these areas will be distributed amongst the House, Events, Kitchen, Housekeeping, Reservations, and MGS teams, based on the hours worked during the period in which the tip was earned.

Transparency and Communication

• Clear Communication: Guests will be informed about any service charges included in their bills. Staff are trained to explain the purpose of these charges and how they are distributed.

• No Deductions: The company does not deduct any amounts from tips or service charges, except for lawful deductions such as taxes, where applicable.

Guest Feedback and Inquiries

• Guests are encouraged to provide feedback on their service experience and any concerns related to tipping. If there are any questions about how tips are managed or suggestions on how we can improve this policy, guests can contact management for clarification.

Policy Review

• This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure it remains in line with the UK Tipping Act and any evolving best practices. Updates to the policy will be communicated to guests through the company website and relevant communications at the point of service.

Effective Date

• This policy is effective from 1st October 2024.