Tipping law changes expected by the end of 2026
Last checked 17 Oct 2026. Dates can change. Great Britain only.
GOV.UK's timeline lists "strengthening tipping law" for the end of 2026. It gives no day.
What we know and what we do not
- Confirmed: the GOV.UK timeline lists the change for the end of 2026.
- Not found: a start date in any commencement regulations, as at 17 October 2026.
- Secondary source: a law firm article from July 2026 reports that the timing slipped from an earlier expectation of October 2026, and that a draft code of practice on distributing tips was withdrawn. We have not confirmed that from GOV.UK, so treat it as commentary.
The Act already includes a duty to consult staff on how tips are shared. The law firm article says the core terms are unlikely to change, but the start date and finer detail are not confirmed. We will update this page when regulations appear.
Who it affects
Employers that receive tips, gratuities or service charges, mostly in hospitality and leisure, and any employer that passes tips on to staff.
A checklist to help you prepare
- List every way your business receives tips: cash, card, service charge or tronc.
- Write down how tips are shared out today, who decides and how staff find out.
- Check that staff can see how much was received and how it was shared.
- Keep records of tips received and paid out.
- Diary a review for when the start date and any code of practice are published.
This page is general information, not legal advice.
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Sources
- GOV.UK: Plan to Make Work Pay and Employment Rights Act, timeline update
- Forsters: Employment Rights Act implementation, more clarity on timing, less clarity on tipping (21 July 2026)
Last checked 17 Oct 2026. GOV.UK says all future dates remain subject to parliamentary processes and may change. General information only, not legal advice. Check GOV.UK before you act.
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