Stix and Stones’ fine complaint triggers an investigation

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

BBC News NI spoke to a member of staff at the Upper Queen Street restaurant who suggested fines could be imposed for, among other things, missing uniform items.

The Unite union said it had productive discussions with the restaurant on Wednesday and “will not rest until the company clears all deductions from their (staff) tips.”

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

“We continue to work diligently to resolve this matter quickly and transparently,” the statement added.

“If any additional practices are found to fall short of our standards, corrective action will be taken immediately.”

The BBC has also seen screenshots of messages between staff and learned that a collective complaint had been made to restaurant management.

From October 1st Workers in Britain received legal protection to receive 100% of tips paid by customers.

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

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

The employee spoken to by the BBC, who wished to remain anonymous, said the scheme was introduced earlier this month and workers were told that the money collected would be donated to charity.

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

“Such practices cannot continue.”

BBC News NI has obtained screenshots showing details of the fines system.

It included a £5 fine for missing uniform items and a table not properly set.

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

The employee also described the lack of clarity about what will and will not be fined.

“There is no employee training that tells us what to do and what not to do to avoid a fine.”

Restaurant staff contacted Unite to serve a collective letter of complaint to Stix and Stones.

The workers demanded the introduction of an independent tipping regulation.

The union said hospitality workers in Northern Ireland should have the same rights and tipping protections as others in the UK.

“This case shows why the Stormont Executive must immediately introduce the same protections,” said its general secretary Sharon Graham.

Stix and Stones also said it had strictly adhered to His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs guidelines regarding tipping and was “happy to provide staff with any further clarification necessary to ensure full transparency and accountability”.

It added: “Stix & Stones remains committed to creating a positive work environment based on fairness, integrity and respect.”