Can my nhs employer force me to cover my tattoos,lower arm inoffensive pics of koi and blossom?whats the law?

Answer 1

T depends on what is in the company handbook or your contract. If it explicetly states that tattoos are not allowed then they are in their right to enfofrce it, as you have signed a contract agreeing to these terms of employment. However, things llike this are occasionally ambiguous and you have to tread carefully. Fore example, a statement such as 'employees must present themselves as neat, well turned out and in a proffesional manner' could easily be interpreted as saying large tattoos are not acceptable as they are not deemed 'profesional'. You could argue it if you wished but it would be lengthy and you would be unlikely to get anywhere with it.

I was once employed in a shop with a dress code stating 'Employes must be neatly turned out and keep adornments and modifications minimal and as natural as possible'. I whent to work with blue highlghts in one day and was told i would loose my job if i didnt get rid of them before my next shift (the next day) i pointed out that there where women working there with platinum blonde hair (and dark roots) orange foundation, and heavy gold jewelry. I simply stated that if they where aloud to have unaturally blonde hair then i should also be alowed the blue streaks - i kept my job.

If they are unfarly discriminating then find out whre you stand contractually, if not, sometimes it is best to swallow our pride cover up for work and be satisfied with letting loose at weekends!

Answer 2

The NHS often has scary-looking porters wheeling around old ladies and these guys are sometimes covered in tattoos. I think it would depend on the type of role you are occupying. A point of contact role may be a bit sensitive, a nurse may be a bit more specialised so you may be able to get away with that.

The law in England and Wales states that a contract has to include a ''no tattoo'' rule. If they haven't got that in your contract you are safe. However, don't pick a fight. I have both my sleeves covered and I always wear long sleeves to work. Be sensible, it's just a tattoo/long-sleeve shirt.

Answer 3

Hi Paul - when I left the NHS last year my trust was just bringing in new rules regarding appearance, which included making sure all visible tattoos were covered as some patients had complained. I know I know, just because we have tattoos doesnt mean we're thugs! But some people dont think like that sadly. So yes, they can tell you to cover up but as theyre on your lower arms, that just means wearing long sleeved tops, right? PS our trust also told staff that BO was unacceptable and several people were told to go home / go away and shower and then return to work! Count yourself lucky lol. Hugs xx

Answer 4

As an employer, they can ask you to cover up tattoos if they feel it has a `detrimental effect` upon your role and their business. Most people nowadays do not find tattoos overly offensive however it isn't deemed as the most `professional` look to have them on display in the workplace, particularly in an area of any business that is customer-facing.
In a nutshell, although I disagree with it, any company can request that you cover up.

Answer 5

There are no laws about covering tattoos. Company policy is another story. You will have to fight it because policy doesn't mean anything in the scheme of things. You could claim harassment charges and call the union and they will have to back off. The next step after that is a lawyer. We are not communist.

Answer 6

Yea, employers are fully within thier legal rights to institute dress code policies requiring tattoos to be covered up. They aren't allowed to descriminate based on gender, race, religion and such, and requiring employees to cover tattoos does not violate the descrimination laws.

Answer 7

It is at the employer's discretion as to what is or is not acceptable attire when it comes to the workplace. Although, any standards for dress have to be addressed at the beginning of employment; i.e.: if you have worked for a company for a year they cannot all of a sudden tell you that the way you have dressed for the last year is no longer acceptable.

Answer 8

Any employer can have rules regarding tattoos. If they say you can have them as long as they are covered in a matter that their dress code isnt broken then yes, they can make you cover your ink. I have butterflies and roses all over my back and I cant wear tanktops because part of my tats show

Answer 9

Yes, employers are fully within their legal rights to have dress code policies requiring tattoos to be covered up.

Answer 10

Yes they can.The employer has the right to hire someone that will do the work well and not offend the customer.I know it sounds stupid, I have 15 tats, but think of your grandmother when she saw the first one you got, multiply that times 1000 a day.That is why the employer covers thier butt and your tattoos.