Legal: Tattoos in the workplace

Tattoos have always been a divisive topic. Some view them as a personal expression of art, while others consider them unappealing or even offensive. But where do those opting to ink fit into an employment market where first impressions really do count?

Do employers have any right to ask employees to cover up? Or can they simply refuse to employ people with visible tattoos entirely?

Here, we assess how attitudes towards tattoos can impact the recruitment process and where everybody stands legally when it comes to body art at work.

Approximately 30% of 25 to 39-year-olds in the UK currently have at least one tattoo.