Could your tattoo stop you from getting a job?
A quarter of the UK population – including the new prime minister – have at least one tattoo, but they still divide opinion in the workplace.
Coverage by Political Leaning
See how different sides of the spectrum reported this story
Notable Quotes
"I don't think it's completely accepted, and I think there's probably limits to that."
— Dr Michael Rees , Academic
"Overall, job applicants with visible tattoos are still slightly less likely to be hired than those without."
— Dr Alyssa Grocutt , Academic
"Even 11 years ago, when I started getting tattooed, the hands, neck and face were called 'job stoppers'."
— Dr Alyssa Grocutt , Academic
Key People
Retired English football star and global icon.
Dr. Alyssa Grocutt explored perceptions of tattoos in the workplace for her PhD.
Sociologist Dr. Michael Rees studies social acceptability of tattoos in the workplace.
Ed Sheeran is an English singer-songwriter known for his hit songs across various genres.
Harry Styles is a popular singer and songwriter.
Locations
All Coverage
A quarter of the UK population – including the new prime minister – have at least one tattoo, but they still divide opinion in the workplace.
Similar Stories
Related coverage based on topic and tags
Job vacancies at five-year low as smaller firms scale back recruitment
Small firms cite labour and operating costs as reasons for scaling back hiring, the UK's statistics body says.
August 18, 2026 at 06:59 AMTech Life
For years, schools have posted photos of their pupils online. But could they be misused?
August 11, 2026 at 07:30 PMUK labour market loses more momentum in second quarter - Reuters
UK labour market loses more momentum in second quarter Reuters
August 18, 2026 at 06:05 AMBusiness Daily
Amid economic uncertainty, workers are more cautious about taking their next career step
August 17, 2026 at 08:30 PMCritical former referees add to culture of fear, says retiring Taylor
Retiring Premier League referee Anthony Taylor says his decision to quit was partly due to the toxic debate around officials.
August 13, 2026 at 11:35 AMBrexit rules put strain on zoo's conservation work
Staffs at Twycross Zoo say they need new laws to make it easier to transport animals globally.
August 13, 2026 at 05:08 AM