GWENDA THOMAS WELCOMES NEW RIGHTS FOR RESTAURANT WORKERS

Gwenda has welcomed new rules which will make it illegal to use customers' tips to make up the minimum wage in her Neath constituency.

The UK Government announced this week that from October this year, any tips left for staff will be in addition to basic pay.

Current rules mean restaurant and pub owners can use tips to make up the minimum wage.

Gwenda said:

“Staff who work hard in our restaurants and pubs deserve tips as well as their basic wage. Waiters and waitresses who provide good service deserve to be rewarded in addition to their basic pay, and customers who give tips expect it be in addition to basic pay. Restaurant and pub owners will not now to be able to use tips to make up the minimum wage."

"People should receive fair pay for their hard work, and this is another step towards Labour's vision of justice in the workplace."

Gwenda Thomas pays tribute to Neath Port Talbot Council Leader and Chief Executive
Neath AM Gwenda Thomas has today paid tribute to Cllr. Derek Vaughan, Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council and to the Authority’s Chief Executive Ken Sawyers, who have announced their departures from the County Borough Council.
Derek Vaughan, Labour Councillor for Neath North, will be standing down as Council Leader later this month to contest the upcoming election to the European Parliament as Labour’s top placed candidate. Ken Sawyers has announced his retirement as Chief Executive after 14 years at Neath Port Talbot and 48 years in Local Government.
GWENDA THOMAS said:
"It has been an honour and a privilege to work with both Derek and Ken and I wish them both well for the future.
"Derek has been an outstanding Leader of the Council and has been a strong voice for local government in Wales. Under his leadership, Neath Port Talbot CBC has excelled.
"I have worked with Ken Sawyers since 1989, firstly as an elected member of West Glamorgan County Council then as an elected member of Neath Port Talbot CBC, and latterly as Assembly Member for Neath.
"I know Ken to be committed, compassionate, and an advocate for fair play and equality, and I wish him and his family well for the future.
ENDS