52x52: Tip

52 random acts of kindness that each take under 52 seconds. One action each week, over a year takes less than an hour of your life.

It's said that the best tippers are those who have been in the service industry themselves and I can understand why. I remember the low pay and long and antisocial hours and customer service obstacles and conundrums, and the high expectations and the low status. I remember getting tipped or complimented on my service feeling good as with any other time people might appreciate a skill from that of baker to teacher. Also the tips meant I could more easily pay my bills which definitely made me happier.

Tipping, doesn't just show appreciation but in this economical climate is important financial support of people in the service industry, in the main, the lowest paid occupation (Office for National Statistics). According to London Assembly Economy Committee looking at Fair Pay 'jobs in retail, hotels and restaurants account for 50% of all low paid jobs in London' (p.8). 

Why one person's time seems to be worth more than another's when they are working equally as hard is another question for another time, as is the question on the difference between the  minimum wage and a living wage. And while there are arguments against tipping, as it can be seen as an excuse for not having to raise pay, until the day comes when people are actually paid fairly, do your bit and tip.