Tattoos have been growing in popularity in recent years.  In the past they have always been associated with a stereotype – the macho man often with a thuggish image – a convict, a biker, a rocker or a rebel.   Even the latin word for tattoo is stigma. Tattoos date back many thousands of years; a mummified body found in the Austrian/Italian alps dating back over 3000 years BC carried the marks of tattoos.

The sterotypical image of the tatto appears to be changing with many young people, in particular, increasingly getting their bodies covered in ornamental art encouraged by celebrity role models such as David Beckham.  It is estimated that one in five people in the UK now have a tattoo.

My own son spent over £200 last year getting his right upper arm covered in a large tattoo (I am not a fan).  He works in a professional role in an office environment and had the sense to ensure that the image is covered by a shirt sleeve even if rolled up.  His actions copy those of Winston Churchill who had an anchor on his forearm which was always well hidden (surprisingly he copied his own mother who had a snake tattooed on her wrist).

Nevertheless tattoes in the workplace can be frowned upon. Whilst they may be acceptable in creative industries, in the corporate world they remain a thorny issue.  It is freedom of choice and expression to acquire body art but it has to be balanced with the need to fit into the world of work. In 2012 the Metropolitan police banned employees from getting visible tattoos or they would face disciplinary action.

Research done by the British Sociological Association found that regardless of how intellectual and skilled a person is, if they have a visible tattoo at interview the likelihood of ruining their chances is very high with potential employers viewing them as dirty or unsavoury.  It is all about corporate image and perception which continues to fuel stereotyping more likely with the older generation of managers.  Having a tattoo does not affect a person’s ability to do a job and indeed many professionals do have tattoos, they are just well hidden.  Nevertheless at interview first impressions are vital.

Research carried out by the University of St Andrew interviewed recruiters in a bank, council,prison, university and bookseller to find out their view on job applicants with tattoos.  Opinions included a statement that a tattoo would stop an applicant being recruited to the tattoo being the first thing discussed when the applicant left the room detracting from the discussion of job ability.  Other opinions included that customers might think a tattooed member of staff as being abhorrent, repugnant, unsavoury and untidy.  The programme Tattoo Addiction aired on Channel 4 showed Paul who displayed a tattooed face discussing how difficult it was to find a job.

Having a policy on body art is not discriminatory.  Employers have the right to provide guidelines to staff on this subject and whilst a whole policy need not be dedicated to this, clauses could be inserted into a dress code.