HOSPITALITY workers in Cumbria could be set for a boost courtesy of new legislation that would ban employers from withholding tips from their staff. 

The Employment (Allocation of Tips) Bill has now had its second reading in Parliament.

A spokesman for the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy said the 'overhaul' of tipping practices was set to benefit 2 million UK workers across the hospitality, leisure and service sectors. 

Watford MP Dean Russell, who introduced the bill, said: "It has always felt wrong that some employers have retained tips intended for their staff.

"This new legislation will halt this practice, particularly given the current challenges around the cost of living.

"I would like to thank all of the businesses and stakeholders that have got in touch to voice their support.”

Through the bill, a new statutory code of practice relating to the distribution of tips would be developed.

Workers would also receive a new right to request more information about employers' tipping records.