Can Teachers In The UK Have Tattoos? 

Introduction

Many people disagree on tattoos, or body art as many prefer to call it. Tattoos are today fashionable and widely accepted. In nearly every industry, tattoos are becoming a trend and are not considered taboo anymore. Are there any differences between schools in the UK, and are tattoos acceptable for teachers there?

Can Teachers In The UK Have Tattoos? 

Can Teachers In The UK Have Tattoos? 

UK legislation does not forbid teachers from obtaining tattoos. The law does not protect teachers from being rejected for employment or dismissed if the school management determines that their tattoos are inappropriate for a learning environment. A teacher may have tattoos in the UK, but the school may impose dress codes and other restrictions.

What Is The Law Regarding Tattoos On Teachers?

The UK passed the Equality Act in 2010 to prohibit discrimination in the workplace and, in some cases, outside of it. Many activities are listed as being forbidden by employers under the Equality Act. One of these is

● Direct or indirect discrimination

● Disability-based discrimination

● actions were taken against you after you reported a discriminatory conduct

● failing to make a reasonable effort to accommodate a person with a handicap

● a protected characteristic-related harassment

● Schools are not exempt from following the Equality Act’s laws and regulations.

Isn’t Having a Tattoo a Protected Characteristic?

No. A Protected Characteristic is defined in detail under the Equality Act.

● Age

● Disability

● Reversal of gender

● Civil Partnership and Marriage

● Maternity and Pregnancy

● Religion and worldview

● Sexual orientation and gender

Some claim that religiously themed tattoos qualify as protected characteristics under the Equality Act. This debate still needs to be resolved. The issue of religious tattoos being a protected feature will be resolved once the courts decide.

What Position Do Schools Take on Tattoos on Teachers?

Schools have much flexibility in deciding how to set their policy on teachers and tattoos under current employment law and the Equality Act. School administrators are well within their rights to consider tattoos throughout employment and recruitment because they don’t pass the standard for protected characteristics.

● Is the tattoo visible? The entire argument may be irrelevant if the tattoo cannot be seen wearing a casual or professional dress. Under normal situations, there shouldn’t be a problem with the tattoo if it is covered up.

● Is the tattoo insulting or disturbing if it is visible? – Some tattoos are purely ornamental and harmless. Some tattoos may express the wearer’s political or religious convictions. Others could have what are deemed objectionable imagery or symbols. School administrators have the power to decide whether or not visible tattoos are appropriate and to develop rules that specify what is and is not permitted.

● Establishing a clothing code for employees and instructors that tackles the issue of concealing tattoos is one of the most widely used strategies for dealing with visible tattoos. It is perfectly legal for school administrators to demand that employees conceal their tattoos while on the job, even instructors.

● Visible tattoos are prohibited in the workplace, and school administrators can implement such restrictions under the law. This ban may apply to someone employed with no tattoos that could be seen but later obtains a tattoo on a body portion that may be seen.

Are tattoos in schools such a big deal?

The reasons against having visible tattoos centre on several concerns. Surveys of UK schools reveal various regulations regarding tattoos on instructors. Parents’ and educators’ views on tattoos and instructors are equally divided.

● The diversity argument: Many contend that in addition to teaching pupils technical and fundamental abilities, schools should also focus on preparing them for the real world. Sharp contrasts characterize today’s world. According to the idea, pupils are not served by being kept in a nearly pristine environment during their formative years and then expected to deal with the extremes of our modern culture.

● Control issues – Bureaucracies aim for control. The bureaucracy at schools is similar. Control denotes uniformity and order, two qualities that schools and regulations have always exhibited. Much of how schools operate now is still mandated by the history of education. Many policy decisions in schools are influenced by tradition.

● Culture and society – The judgments made by policymakers about the tattoo problem may also be influenced by the culture and society in which the school is located. Parental opinions have some influence on school leadership.

Can teachers get tattoos in the UK? An appropriate yes

There is no legislative restriction, and the legislation provides school administration broad discretion in handling the tattoo problem. Most UK schools tackle the problem of tattooed instructors with common sense.

● Understanding your employer’s or future employer’s views and rules is essential whether you’re a teacher or are interested in becoming one. Some straightforward advice might simplify things if you’re a teacher with obvious tattoos.

● At work, keep them covered. Be discreet and, if at all feasible, keep your tattoos covered. Keeping your tattoos hidden may prevent any problems, even if your school does not require a dress code or concealing your tattoos.

● Make a sensible choice – Think twice before getting a tattoo in an awkward place. Think about the tattoo itself and how others could interpret it, especially those who don’t share your values.

● Be ready for the questions – One of your responsibilities as a teacher is to clarify and respond to students’ inquiries. You will be questioned about your tattoos by young children who are innately curious.

Conclusion 

In the UK, the legislation is quite clear regarding how school administration can handle instructors who have obvious tattoos. The truth is that instructors with visible tattoos may be compelled to follow dress standards, and it is legitimate to consider their existence when considering candidates with visible tattoos. However, as the teacher shortage worsens and cultural views continue shifting, attitudes and regulations change daily. Suppose you are professional, knowledgeable, and ready to follow a dress code. In that case, your visible tattoos won’t be a barrier to employment.

FAQ

Is it a good idea to get a tattoo?

Yes, why not? It is your personality, and you can portray it in any manner.

Are getting tattoos on your body expensive?

This completely depends on the size of the tattoo you plan to get done. 

Is it safe to get a tattoo?

Yes, it is completely safe to get a tattoo done if you choose a clean and hygienic place. Make sure the needles are sanitized to avoid any allergies.