Are workplace policies discriminatory towards visible tattoos?

Sounds like an unfair disadvantage to me.



So employers have any right to turn you down for a job if you're ugly and you refuse to get plastic surgery? Or because you're Christian and you refuse to change religion?

Sounds pretty stupid.

In that case, the employers should still have every right to not hire you based upon it, however you could legitimately claim compensation for lost earnings and the cost of tattoo removal from whoever did it to you against your will.

I don't agree, everyone is entitled to freedom of expression, its a human right and if an employee does have a visible tattoo it is not going to affect how the company competes in its market place nor does it show that the employee is any less qualified for the role so companies are discriminating based on looks and perceptions

Paying to get it removed, maybe. However, in order to get compensation for lost earnings you would have to prove you would have definitely got that job if you didn't have the tattoo.

I would have taken your reply seriously if not for that remark.

Using my tattooed friend as an example: even if he lied about that, how are they going to realise? Unless this job involved naked/underwear modelling or being the subject of a life drawing class, I can't think of a work scenario which would result in the loss of the lower portion of your clothing.

You make know them from everyday life or you could ask if they do.

Also, once employed if i learnt they had a tattoo, i would sack them.

You make know them from everyday life or you could ask if they do.

Also, once employed if i learnt they had a tattoo, i would sack them.

Yep, you're right, it's really unfair that you CHOSE to get a tattoo despite knowing that some people react unfavourably to them. That you CHOSE to get it in a visible place knowing the kind of workplace you'd be going into.

Again, being ugly is not a choice. Being Christian is not a choice (debatable I suppose), nor would anyone know unless you told them so wouldn't affect how people interact with you.

I'm just gonna stop here.

As you said, everyone has the freedom of expression. In like manner, everyone has the freedom to do what is not prohibited by law. Just because you think tattoos would not affect a company, doesn't mean they will also see it that way. Discrimination on ground of looks and perceptions is not prohibited, so a company may well do that.

You have the freedom to cover your face with tattoos. Just don't assert that freedom when you're working for someone else.

Would you hire a lawyer who came to court dressed in exercise clothes? Would you trust a doctor wearing a pyjama when operating on you?

Why would body art affect how people should interact with you?

What if someone had a penis plastered on to their forehead

Edit: Your argument = blown to shreds

Thank you.

Haha first of all im not a 'teenage rebel' im a 3 year university student so dont try belittling me with your cynical comments and second of all its people like yourself that are stuck living in the past that are discriminatory. I don't think the world should 'revolve and adapt' to suit me, I believe that every human being has the right to present their OWN body as they wish and that we should not have to conform to society just because everybody else does. Employers need to realise that by judging people by the art expressed on them they aren't doing themselves any favours as tattoos do not reflect the ability and qualifications of the potential employee.

So what you think is that everyone with a tattoo should be unemployable? Somebody needs to open their eyes and realise that this isn't going to help the unemployment rate in the UK nor is it going to get us out of a recession.

And good for you, you have 'four large tattoos' well what was the point in getting them if they are never on show? Tattoos are supposed to reflect your personality and beliefs not hide it

What if someone had a penis plastered on to their forehead

Edit: Your argument = blown to shreds

Thank you.

Then they'd have a penis on their forehead... was that meant to be an argument?

Argument not blown to shreds. They could be a genius, they could be the nicest person you'll ever meet. Having a penis on the forehead doesn't automatically make them a certain kind of person.

The argument being it would be highly offensive to headbutt an individual with such a tattoo

Hence a behavioural difference in the way you would treat others , and others would treat you.

It makes them a bit of a d*ck though