'Bah Humbug, Royal Mail bosses warn staff not to accept gifts greater than £30 after introduction of Bribery Act,' wrote the Daily Mail. 'Customers who tip more than £30 warned they could be drawn into an investigation if there is a complaint the payment is corrupt.'
Well.
Oh to be a postman.
£30. It's unbelievable. Maybe I'm just a Scrooge-like bus driver, but it's hard to believe that anyone gives their postie such a substantial tip.
In the season of goodwill, where the proliferation of chunky men in red suits, often accompanied by attractive female elves, I suppose anything is possible. But my suspicious mind wonders if it is a well aimed press release to encourage people to give a larger tip.
Perhaps it will work for bus drivers. Tipping is a hit or miss business on the buses. Maybe the average donation can be upped from the general 50p with a carefully placed notice above the exit door:
'Give Your Driver At Least £1 Or You'll Not Be Dropped Within Walking Distance Of Your House.'
That will test the Bribery Act. Though maybe Alexander Pope was more on the ball:
'Alas! the small discredit of a bribe
Scarce hurts the lawyer, but undoes the scribe.' ...
...or in this case the bus driver.
