Tips & Service Charge Records Starter Kit (UK)

Take tips or service charges by card? Since 01/10/2024 employers in England, Scotland and Wales must pass on all tips fairly, pay them out by the end of the following month, have a written tipping policy, keep records for 3 years and answer staff requests for their records. This starter kit helps a small café, pub, restaurant or salon do that in plain English, without paying for a troncmaster.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

1. Tipping Policy Template (PDF and Word). Fill-in sections for who shares, how (hours, points or equal shares), when you pay, no deductions, records, staff requests and reviews, plus a one-page checklist of what the law asks for.
2. Monthly Tips Ledger (PDF and spreadsheet). One row per day or shift for card tips, service charges and shared cash.
3. Tips Allocation Sheet (PDF and spreadsheet). Share out each month's pot by hours and points, with a pay-by deadline check.
4. Staff Tips Records Request Log (PDF and spreadsheet). Check each request is valid and show you replied within 4 weeks.

The spreadsheet has drop-downs and date checks. You do the sums using the simple steps on the sheet. Edit in Word, Excel, Google Docs, Google Sheets or LibreOffice. One-off purchase.

WHAT IT IS NOT

This is a set of templates to adapt and check against the statutory Code of Practice. It is not legal advice, and not tax or payroll advice either. It does not advise on tax or National Insurance on tips, or on setting up a tronc: speak to your accountant. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government body, and it does not guarantee any tribunal outcome. The duty to consult staff on your policy (Employment Rights Act 2025) is not in force yet and has no start date. This starter kit flags it but does not include a consultation module.

Sources: legislation.gov.uk and gov.uk, used under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Last checked 20/10/2026.

AI tools helped write this kit, working from the official sources above.

Digital download. No physical item will be sent.

Written and designed by Plainfiles with the help of AI tools, then checked against the official legislation and guidance listed in the sources.

This kit is an independent template to help you organise your paperwork. It is not legal, tax or financial advice, is not issued or endorsed by any government body, regulator or council, and does not guarantee a licence, rating or any other outcome. Check the official guidance for your own situation and keep your documents up to date.