Tattoo Taboo
Tattoo Taboo
Despite the huge growth in tattoos in the UK the issue is still subject to controversy.
If you are considering having a tattoo, we thought it would be helpful to know the legal and social implications.
If you already have a job in the domestic or household sectors and already have a tattoo can it affect your chances of securing another job? If you are employed and have a tattoo are you legally protected from dismissal because of it?
Read on for the answers.
Legally, there are currently no employment laws that govern tattoos in the workplace, visible or otherwise. Therefore, an employer may be within their rights to reject a potential employee on the basis of them having a visible tattoo.
The vital word here is VISIBLE. If the tattoo is or can be covered by normal work clothing or a uniform, your employer or a potential employer may choose to ignore it.
Can an employer ask you to cover tattoos?
The Equality Act 2010 does not specifically protect people who have tattoos or piercings. Therefore, employers can refuse to employ an individual based on their body art or piercings and can require employees to cover up tattoos or remove piercings while working.
You CANNOT claim for tattoo discrimination at work as tattoos do not count as a protected characteristic. However, if your tattoo is linked or related to a protected characteristic such as a religious tattoo or belief-based tattoo, then you may have a discrimination claim.
The Graham Agency, working with you.