Tattoo issue at work

halfpint79 · 9 March 2017 at 10:55PM

I am employed by a college who have no problem with staff having visible tattoos. However I work in a satellite site (the college have an external contractor they provide education For). This contractor asked me to cover my arm tattoo which I have always respected.

However we are currently on a 4 week trip overseas where I am living in close proximity to the students. I still respectfully keep the tattoo covered during work hours but in my free time when in and around my house, out for a walk etc I feel I should be able to wear short sleeves (it's very hot Here!). My very inexperienced line manager seems to think I should keep it covered at all times which I find unreasonable. Any ideas where I stand on this one...

pawlala · 9 March 2017 at 10:59PM

How does your inexperienced line manager know whether you are or are not keeping it covered outside of work hours? Do you socialise with him?

theoretica · 9 March 2017 at 11:40PM

If you are on a trip, are work hours relevant? Do you have any times when it is clear you are off duty?

halfpint79 · 9 March 2017 at 11:52PM

He has seen me around the place going out for a run etc.
By free time I mean outside of timetabled classroom time. Times when I am free to do as I wish. I find it hard to swallow that for 4 weeks everytime I leave the front door I have to comply with this. Seems unreasonable especially in a hot country.

boliston · 10 March 2017 at 12:24AM

I would avoid getting into an argument but would just ignore his "rules" when off duty - just act a bit vague if he tries to challenge you eg "i saw you jogging in short sleeves" etc

fairy_lights · 10 March 2017 at 12:32AM

It is certainly unreasonable to expect you to cover up during your own free time, you say he's young and unexperienced so it sounds like he's trying to prove himself and being a bit of a jobsworth in the process.

halfpint79 · 10 March 2017 at 9:28AM

I agree with the carrying on, I don't intend to be dictated to in my time off. However it's tricky knowing if I am doing anything wrong contractually.

Jack1991 · 10 March 2017 at 11:25AM

boliston wrote: »

I would avoid getting into an argument but would just ignore his "rules" when off duty - just act a bit vague if he tries to challenge you eg "i saw you jogging in short sleeves" etc

I would do this any of your free time you are not being paid for you should be able to wear what you want... within reason lol
I always cover my tattoos in work but if I went out on a works do or something unpaid I would have no issues having them on display.

xapprenticex · 10 March 2017 at 11:47AM

It could also be a company code of conduct, so even though you have free time you are still representing the company so maybe its best to keep it covered to avoid hassle and have a job when you get back home.

nimbo · 10 March 2017 at 12:24PM

What is the tattoo of? Is it something swastika like that would have a real reason to cause offence? I'm assuming it isn't / wouldn't - but in a teaching role I can see that could become an issue.

What is he expecting you to wear while out running? And I'd possibly be a little bit concerned he's spying.

I'd avoid him for the rest of
The trip - but I don't see how the dress policy could be enforceable 24 / 7 while away. I personally wouldn't be choosing to walk around in a bikini (nobody needs to see that) - but an arm tattoo is hardly flashing your chest / midriff etc.

halfpint79 · 10 March 2017 at 1:03PM

Its definitely nothing offensive. In fact on my first day at work my director was admiring it but then the satellite site I work had came up with the covering up rule. I have no problem complying with this during work time.

Tattoo issue at work

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