Tattoos and ear piercings in the workplace – or not?
What is your policy towards tattoos and piercings in the workplace?
The attitude towards tattoos and ear and indeed body piercings has changed considerably over the last decade or so, but what is your company policy towards visible tattoos and piercings
It is thought that as much as 20% of people in the UK have either a piercing with the 30-39 year olds being the most popular age.It is thought over 33% of people have a tattoo.
As a result many companies have to seriously consider a dress code in the office for tattoos and piercings. If you are at a loss as to what you should or could do with regard to a dress code for tattoos and piercings then ACAS has publised some guidance which may help.
Some organisations may feel that tattoos and piercings are at odds with the ethos or image they are trying to project. They might as a result ask workers to remove piercings or cover tattoos while in the workplace.
But the guidance urges employers to ‘carefully consider’ the reason behind imposing a rule – as there should be ‘sound business reasons’ for it such as a health and safety issue. It should also be remembered that dress codes must apply to both men and women equally.
