Virgin Atlantic has announced a change in policy regarding tattoos for its uniform wearers and front line staff. Until today, any (uniformed) employee had to cover up any visible tattoo with a long sleeved shirt, plasters or make up. Short sleeve shirts are uniform standard so a special long sleeved shirt had to be requested. Although the airline now allows tattoos to be shown, any offensive tattoos will remain covered as will neck, face and head tattoos although the airline states that the latter policy is “currently under review and we hope to change this policy in phase two”.
Later this week, Virgin Atlantic will open up its cabin crew recruitment once more. In January, the airline said that it received 5,000 applications for 400 roles.
Estelle Hollingsworth, Chief People Officer at Virgin Atlantic, commented: “At Virgin Atlantic, we want everyone to be themselves and know that they belong. Many people use tattoos to express their unique identities and our customer-facing and uniformed colleagues should not be excluded from doing so if they choose. That's why, in line with our focus on inclusion and championing individuality, we're relaxing our tattoo restrictions for all our people. We're proud to be the airline that sees the world differently and allows our people to truly be themselves.”