A Belfast city centre restaurant has “terminated a fine policy” after three £5 fines were issued to staff as a disciplinary measure.
The Belfast Telegraph reported last week that Stix & Stones launched an investigation following claims that staff were being penalised through the distribution of tips.
A trade union representing the hospitality workers raised concerns and also found that senior management within the restaurant had not approved the fine system.
On Tuesday, the trade union Unite Hospitality NI said its members “are pleased to confirm a resolution to concerns raised”.
“An investigation has confirmed that three £5 fines were issued under this policy. The funds have now been returned, and employees have been fully reimbursed,” a joint statement from the union and the eatery said.
“We acknowledge that a grievance submitted by Unite on behalf of employees on 16th October did not initially reach senior management, resulting in a regrettable delay in response.
“We are committed to ensuring that any similar concerns are promptly addressed in future.
“We have immediately terminated a fine policy that was informally communicated to employees regarding service standards. This policy, instigated on 1st October 2024, was neither presented to nor approved by senior management.”
The statement continued: “We are consulting with our team and their union, Unite, to establish a fair and transparent tipping policy aligned with best practices and legislation in the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom, ensuring staff will continue to receive 100% and control distribution of any and all tips received.”
Stix & Stones has two outlets, with the recent concerns relating to its premises on Upper Queen Street.
Opened in 2014, the popular steak spot has picked up a number of industry awards and celebrated its 10th anniversary earlier this year.
Unite initially claimed that the fines were being deducted from staff tips including “£5 for missing uniform items, £10 for phones being used and even threats of a 50% reduction in tips for sections not being cleaned at the end of service”.
Last week Stix and Stones said they would be holding an internal investigation into the claims, which they said was not in line with company policy.
“We want to make it clear that the practices mentioned do not reflect our company’s policies or values, and we have requested an urgent meeting with Unite Hospitality NI to address these concerns,” they said in a statement at the time.
“We strictly adhere to HMRC’s guidelines on tipping and are happy to provide staff with any additional clarification needed to ensure full transparency and accountability.
“The well-being of our employees remains a top priority. We are committed to open communication with all staff and Unite Hospitality NI to ensure fairness throughout this process.”
Stix & Stones added that its business “remains dedicated to providing a positive working environment built on fairness, integrity, and respect”.