Member Article

Tattoos in the workplace

The history of tattoos can be traced back across many cultures. From Southern India where tattoos are used as cultural symbols across tribes, to Egypt where women used them as a way of indicating status, tattoos have been around for centuries.

In the 17th century, the Japanese used tattoos as a way of marking criminals, fast forward to the 21st century and teens are getting fictional Japanese creatures tattooed on them for fun. Times have certainly changed.

Tattoos mean many things to many people, some use them to celebrate a moment, others to honour a loved one, and then there those who adorn themselves with tattoos as a way of looking cool, usually taking the form of tribal designs, barbwire or the ever popular Chinese symbol.

The benefits of ink

Besides giving people something to read and an easy way to describe someone, tattoos don’t provide much in the way of use in the workplace. Companies will have internal policies when it comes to showcasing tattoos in the workplace.

Employees in customer facing roles may be asked to cover their inking, while other companies may not have an opinion one way or the other. Often this will depend on the type of industry and the clientele they serve.

The tale of Holland, Barrett and the compass

Holland and Barrett recently chose not to hire a student due to tattoos featured on his hands and fingers which he was unable to cover. The student then did the sensible thing and ran straight to the press, complaining of discrimination…

The student in question is 18 with a tattoo of a compass on one hand and ‘STAY TRUE’ across his knuckles. Instead of pointing the finger of ‘discrimination’ at Holland and Barrett, time may be better spent asking why the 18 year old thought it appropriate to have ‘STAY TRUE’ tattooed on his hands.

Just to clarify, I’m not sure who the lad needs to stay true to, but at least he’s in no danger of forgetting to do it.

Holland and Barrett issued a statement advising they do not have an issue with tattoos they just ask them to be covered on the shop floor. Something the student would not be able to do.

On the other hand

This isn’t the only time someone who couldn’t get their way has gone to the press. In September 2015, a woman saw her job offer rescinded when the business discovered she had intricate artwork covering her fingers, hand and forearm.

Dee Set, a shopping logistics company, had offered a job role following a telephone interview, but revoked the offer when they were told about the tattoo. The woman did the only thing she could and took to social media, lambasting the company for discrimination…

Following a public backlash, Dee Set offered the woman the job but she declined.

Do either of the examples above have a case to answer for discrimination?

The short answer is no.

The long answer is that companies are able to ask employees to cover tattoos, keeping in line with company values, if they are consistent, i.e. all employees must adhere to the same rules.

Is it discrimination?

While people with tattoos may feel ostracised it is important to remember that tattoos are a choice. They are not being discriminated against due to their gender, sexual orientation, race, colour, creed, or religious beliefs.

It is common sense that certain industries would prefer a clean cut image for their employees; while very few promote a strict ban, there are many that tolerate tattoos but prefer them to be covered. If you have tattoos on your hands, neck or face you are opening yourself up to judgement that may see you miss out on certain opportunities. Reputable tattoo studios will refuse to tattoo certain areas of the body; others will talk the decision through with the client, detailing the risks of such a public piece.

What are my rights as a business?

You are well within your rights to request tattoos are covered, so long as there is a business reason behind it. If you choose to implement a dress policy that incorporates tattoos and piercings then you need to be consistent across the business.

As tattoos become more popular you are bound to meet candidates with them. Before you make a recruitment decision ask yourself whether your reason for having tattoos covered is a business reason or a personal one. Tattoos do not diminish the skill set of the individual, but it may be an issue for customer facing businesses.

Too little, too late?

As for those individuals who choose to have tattoos that aren’t easily covered, manage your expectations and don’t lash out on social media if you’re refused a position. With many companies checking social media profiles of respective candidates, you don’t want to give the wrong impression.

If you do have a tattoo that isn’t easy to cover, be honest with your prospective employer. By being open and honest you are giving a good account of yourself that could result in the business taking a chance on you.

For more information about your rights as a business when it comes to dress code please contact Opsium Employer Support on 0161 603 2156

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Kyle Daniels .