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Theresa May’s promise to ensure waiters and hospitality workers keep tips left by customers has been delayed again, Ministers admitted today.

The new law would ban high street restaurants from making deductions from money left for staff by diners.

Chains including Prezzo, Zizzi and Pizza Express previously faced anger after it emerged they deducted between 8 and 10% of tips from employees.

All three chains have since reversed the policy, but other businesses still deduct from staff tips.

Mrs May promised to introduce the change “as soon as Parliamentary time allows” at Conservative Party Conference last September.

(Image: PA)

And Ministers have been promising to make the change since 2016, when it was recommended following a consultation.

The Prime Minister even used the change as evidence that her government protects

But today, Business Minister Kelly Tolhurst said the legislation would be further delayed until the next “session” of Parliament - which begins in the Summer.

In the House of Commons, Labour ’s Stephanie Peacock asked: “Where exactly is that Bill to finally enforce fair tips, first promised nearly three years ago?”

Kelly Tolhurst: “The Honourable Lady is quite right, we announced in October of last year that we would bring forward legislation in the next Session [on] tipping and we are committed to doing that, it’s this government who’s brought it forward.”

(Image: Handout)

Labour MP Stephanie Peacock said: “After dragging their feet for nearly three years, it is far past the time that Ministers should have turned words in to action.

“At this rate the Business Secretary will be the only member of the Cabinet with a worse track record on delays than Chris Grayling.

“With the government often struggling to provide meaningful business in the Commons, there is really no excuse not to bring forward a Bill quickly and provide workers and customers with the protection they need.

“It’s no time for half-measures, and this Bill needs to tackle the problems in full.”

Unite regional officer, Dave Turnbull said: “The government needs to stop stringing restaurant workers along and deliver on its promise to crack down on tipping abuses.

"Restaurant and bar workers have waited long enough, as each day passes they’re losing out thanks to greedy bosses pocketing their tips.

“Theresa May needs to stop dithering and deliver on her fair tips promises now.”