Tattoo leads to sacking and plan to change Equality Law

by Jonathan Williams

All was going well for reader Claire Shepherd yesterday, she’d just got told at the end of a telephone interview with Dee Set that she’s had the job!

However that was to change within half an hour when she got sacked!

Claire who is from Llanellli but now lives in Swansea said:

“I had a telephone interview today with Dee Set for a retail merchandiser and was happy when at the end of the phone call I was told that I had the position and would be starting next week.”

“The company then sent me an e-mail with their dress standards. As I read it I was gutted as they noted that all tattoos must be covered up as they are likely to cause offence.”

“Thinking this was an old standard e-mail the company sent out, and that their views had changed, I emailed them explaining that I had hand tattoos and hope this wouldn’t affect my new job.”

“I was shocked when they replied and said they would no longer be employing me as I would not be able to cover my tattoos!”

“I’ve got  6 years previous experience in managerial roles and my tattoos have never been an issue. That is until I applied for a role with Dee Set that work with Tesco, Asda, Boots and other chains.”

“I was perfect for the job due to my skills, previous experience and flexibility. They clearly thought I had something to offer and would be the right person for the job as they had already offered me the position.”

“I’m more shocked that people still discriminate against visible tattoos. I just didn’t think this happened anymore!”

Claire posted her comments on Facebook last night, this was picked up a local paper who contacted the company. Claire was then told that Dee Set would be offering her the job back!

“This makes it more ridiculous, a bit of bad press and they offer me the job back. I will decline because I’ve decided to try and get the equality act changed so that companies can’t discriminate against Tattooed people and have ‘no tattoos’ in their policies.” She said.

The people on Facebook were quick to come to Claire’s defence, Maria Val Loureda wrote:

I’d say that was discrimination. You can’t remove a tattoo as you might an earring. It’s actually very good but that’s not even the point. It does not affect ability to do the job and should not be classed as dress code.

Lisa Jane Griffiths That’s so wrong..so because u have tattoos u can’t have the job…but yet u obviously can do the job as u were offered it…that is definitely discrimination…I’d look further into this…surely they can’t do that!

Lynda Jones I personally don’t like tattoos and would prefer not to see them but that’s my personal view it is rather ridiculous that they have terminated your offer of employment based on a tattoo, very dated policy !!

Scott Williams I’ve had the same problem with both hands being tattooed – it doesn’t affect people’s ability to work or reflect them as individuals however the stereotype of tattoos has not shifted by the older generation and they are the ones the big business’ are concerned about as they’re the most likely to spend its wrong and disgusting.

Claire is in the process of setting up a Facebook group to help her campaign and is looking for people who have had similar experiences to get in touch. She can be contacted on Facebook, look for Claire Shepherd.