FabSwingers.com forum: employers and 21st century

By *arlo82 OP Couple
over a year ago

the gym and random places

Having lost my job (which I'll not get into because the discrimination angers me) I've obv had interviews. Today's saw the line of the jobs mine if I "take my piercings out, dye my hair and don't wear fake nails (accused of until I proved not fake.... all ladies and gentlemen for a zero hour contract!

Now it wasn't a prestigious role iy was one because if I don't have a job my kids don't eat and I'll lose my house - in a nutshell. Just to keep things ticking over.

What I do not understand is the attitude surrounding this. I'm clean, hygienic, respectable, well spoken and well educated. Am I suddenly going to become a baffling idiot or drop iq because I've dyed hair?

Where does discrimination begin and end?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Is it discrimination or are there good reasons why they ask that of you? Did you ask what their rationale is, what their policies and procedures are? I am the Manager where I work and I would ask the same of you but would explain why. It is then your choice which to choose.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

when i was at secondary school i was almost turned down for the chance to go on a young enterprise trip to Belfast for having a hair colour of bright red.. my teacher thought id not be taken seriously. I went and got an award for having promising entrepreneurial skills

When i was then 18 i worked in a care home and had bright pink hair.. few colleagues snubbed it and said it was 'unprofessional' funny though as the elderly clients i worked for said they loved it and at least they could see me coming :D

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Honestly that sucks. Especially since alot of the companies I have mates in including banking, sales, consultant and healthcare etc have loosened thier views on this recently.

Plus thier views were more around piercings and tattoos. Not hair colour, which was already not an issue.

I hope you do find something. If needed drop me a PM I know some recruiters.

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By *arlo82 OP Couple
over a year ago

the gym and random places

"Is it discrimination or are there good reasons why they ask that of you? Did you ask what their rationale is, what their policies and procedures are? I am the Manager where I work and I would ask the same of you but would explain why. It is then your choice which to choose. "

The reason was that was their rules. It wasn't an infringement kn health and safety. There isn't really a reason to dye someone's hair colour. Not when it's been this or similar for a decade and ran my own business without issue. Again similarly wuth my nose stud. It doesn't present an issue. I'm clean, hygienic and approachable.

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By *iggles and BeardyCouple
over a year ago

Bristol

Maybe they have a reason for said dress code.

Much like it isn't discrimination if they refuse you jobs for tattooed hands or face.. it's your choice to look a certain way and if you realy want the job you change to fit the job, not them.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Seems a bit harsh if that was all they would say. Good luck in the job hunt, it can be tough. Fingers crossed for you x

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By *avid0894Man
over a year ago

Paisley

I work in a call centre and even though we'll never encounter anyone face to face we have a smart dress code policy (Fridays and Saturdays aside)

Never quite understood it although the older ladies in work liked me in my suit

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By *oodmessMan
over a year ago

yumsville

Being discriminated against something you can easily change is not discrimination. It is a personal choice to dye your hair or pierce your eyebrows. You can remove these if you wish. Similarly tattoos if they are visible, you can cover them up if necessary or be asked to, if company policy dictates this if you are dealing with members of the public.

I think discrimination is a little more nuanced in it's application rather than feeling you have the thin end of the wedge for a lifestyle choices you make.

Would you expect a nudist to be serving you your morning coffee for instance? Their lifestyles are surely more widely known and accepted than a persons battle to keep a different colour of hair.

There will be certain employers that are relaxed about your choices but making certain professions will frown on it. It is up to you if you value your career or lifestyle more.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

My work place is finally allowing us to have what ever colour hair we want once our new uniforms come in.

And I do believe that being against hair colours, piercings and tattoos is discrimination. It's part of who we are, some people feel so much better with crazy coloured hair because it makes them feel more like themselves. Asking somebody to change this to please others is out of order.

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By *oodmessMan
over a year ago

yumsville

"My work place is finally allowing us to have what ever colour hair we want once our new uniforms come in.

I think you are right but this would reply on the person already being in the job and performing to the same standard. If they suddenly started piercing their hair and turning in with green hair whilst trying to win contracts and it affecting their work and they were fired as a result you can hardly call it discrimination. The OP is saying she is annoyed at peoples attitudes in general. If the job is so important firstly, the first get the job, then dye your hair.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

[Removed by poster at 07/03/17 20:17:04]

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I don't know what it's called.

It's an alt thing, but you know those massive ear hoops or whatever it is some place in their lobes, some employers make staff remove them, like in Hotels etc..or anywhere where you're frequently front facing customers.

Well, I think it looks WORSE with them out...I'd rather them in than out, because taking them out leaves massive holes in their ears and it just looks horrible.

Surely they must realise it looks far worse with them out.

Anything else I don't care, I quite like the Alt look.

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By *eliWoman
over a year ago

^ Tunnels

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"^ Tunnels "

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By *arlo82 OP Couple
over a year ago

the gym and random places

"Being discriminated against something you can easily change is not discrimination. It is a personal choice to dye your hair or pierce your eyebrows. You can remove these if you wish. Similarly tattoos if they are visible, you can cover them up if necessary or be asked to, if company policy dictates this if you are dealing with members of the public.

I think discrimination is a little more nuanced in it's application rather than feeling you have the thin end of the wedge for a lifestyle choices you make.

Would you expect a nudist to be serving you your morning coffee for instance? Their lifestyles are surely more widely known and accepted than a persons battle to keep a different colour of hair.

There will be certain employers that are relaxed about your choices but making certain professions will frown on it. It is up to you if you value your career or lifestyle more. "

It is discrimination if iy doesn't affect how you perform in the role. I don't have my eyebrow pierced.

So should I ask my GP to cover her tattoos? Should I tell my kids teacher I don't want her teaching my kids because her hair is a wacky colour? Or because she's a swinger? I couldn't care less who gives me my coffee as long as I get it. Altho for health and safety I'd say be careful of the steam!

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By *arlo82 OP Couple
over a year ago

the gym and random places

And it wasn't a career choice it's a stop gap job. Even if it was my dream job I wouldn't want to change who I am and how comfortable I am in my own skin. If I had to remove my piercings (nose and tragus fyi) I'd be miserable. If I had to change the colour of my hair against my will I'd be miserable. I've been working in the public sector for 17 years and never once had a complaint about my hair, tattoos, nails or anything else.

In recent years I've had employers complain I'm a bodybuilder, ridiculed snd told I look like a man and more recently picked om because I'm Scottish. .....that's most certainly discrimination.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I just watched the famine in Somaliland, they've got real problems

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By *arlo82 OP Couple
over a year ago

the gym and random places

"I just watched the famine in Somaliland, they've got real problems"

They do have their own very unique set of problems. Don't see how it's relevant and if you're just being hostile take your hostility and away

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By *elma and ShaggyCouple
over a year ago

Bedworth

I think discrimination is a little more nuanced in it's application rather than feeling you have the thin end of the wedge for a lifestyle choices you make.

Would you expect a nudist to be serving you your morning coffee for instance? Their lifestyles are surely more widely known and accepted than a persons battle to keep a different colour of hair.

There will be certain employers that are relaxed about your choices but making certain professions will frown on it. It is up to you if you value your career or lifestyle more.

It is discrimination if iy doesn't affect how you perform in the role. I don't have my eyebrow pierced.

A company has a corporate image which it wishes to portray. As an employee you have to conform to that corporate image. If you don't wish to do so then the company is not the right employer for you and you should be looking for a role which is better suited to you.

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By *rRuhbarbMan
over a year ago

London

I think women experience this more then men, it's also very British, have worked in other EU countries and encountered lots of dyed hair and piercing/tattoos in a professional setting - I feel your frustration

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By *inky-MinxWoman
over a year ago

Grantham

"Maybe they have a reason for said dress code.

Much like it isn't discrimination if they refuse you jobs for tattooed hands or face.. it's your choice to look a certain way and if you realy want the job you change to fit the job, not them."

I agree

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Doesn't sound like a place you'd be happy at,understand the stop-gap job bit,good luck to them if that's what they consider portant let em get on with it,sure you'll get something suitable,good luck

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By *orum TrollWoman
over a year ago

•+• Access Denied •+•

maybe not discrimination as they didn't say you couldn't have the job looking like that BUT they do say you can't look like that while working for them so it is prejudiced and they are backing up societies formed opinion of you based on your appearance and not allowing you to show that you, as you are, are capable of being a productive part of society.

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By *icketysplitsWoman
over a year ago

Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound

If the employer has a choice of applicants they will take the one that is the best fit for them. Someone presenting with an attitude that they refuse to conform to the organisational norm isn't going to be a good fit (and it is conforming they want).

It is not legal discrimination - if you want the job enough you can change and choose to conform. It's not even the level of discrimination faced by women being told they must wear high heels.

If you decide their reasons are not ones you agree with then you'll be butting heads with management from day one. That may have come through at interview.

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By *imiUKMan
over a year ago

Hereford

Come and work in Agriculture. The hours are long, the pay is shite, but nobody gives a flying fuck what you look like as long as you work hard.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I just watched the famine in Somaliland, they've got real problems

They do have their own very unique set of problems. Don't see how it's relevant and if you're just being hostile take your hostility and away "
.

So somebody doesn't want to employ you with red hair!! That's the big fucking problem in the world

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By *arlo82 OP Couple
over a year ago

the gym and random places

"I just watched the famine in Somaliland, they've got real problems

They do have their own very unique set of problems. Don't see how it's relevant and if you're just being hostile take your hostility and away .

So somebody doesn't want to employ you with red hair!! That's the big fucking problem in the world

What is your fuckin problem? You're an antagonistic gob shite.

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By *arlo82 OP Couple
over a year ago

the gym and random places

"Doesn't sound like a place you'd be happy at,understand the stop-gap job bit,good luck to them if that's what they consider portant let em get on with it,sure you'll get something suitable,good luck"

Thanks. At least someone didn't have a go. Hope you have a great evening

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By *alandNitaCouple
over a year ago

Scunthorpe

I wouldn't describe it as discriminatory. As others have said it is about the corporate image, not you specifically.

I'm fortunate to work for an employer who has accepted my coloured hair and tattoos.

Though I confess I didn't bother to check the dress code before doing it. In fact my red/pink hair has had very positive responses, from colleagues and customers.

Nita

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I just watched the famine in Somaliland, they've got real problems

They do have their own very unique set of problems. Don't see how it's relevant and if you're just being hostile take your hostility and away .

So somebody doesn't want to employ you with red hair!! That's the big fucking problem in the world

What is your fuckin problem? You're an antagonistic gob shite. "
.

Sorry but your problems seem very trivial compared to others I've had to deal with today!.

I'll take my bad mood elsewhere

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By *alandNitaCouple
over a year ago

Scunthorpe

"I just watched the famine in Somaliland, they've got real problems

They do have their own very unique set of problems. Don't see how it's relevant and if you're just being hostile take your hostility and away .

So somebody doesn't want to employ you with red hair!! That's the big fucking problem in the world

What is your fuckin problem? You're an antagonistic gob shite. .

Sorry but your problems seem very trivial compared to others I've had to deal with today!.

I'll take my bad mood elsewhere"

I think that's an excellent idea.

You have simply been rude and ignorant. If you are uninterest in a topic, just don't post.

Nita

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I just watched the famine in Somaliland, they've got real problems

They do have their own very unique set of problems. Don't see how it's relevant and if you're just being hostile take your hostility and away .

So somebody doesn't want to employ you with red hair!! That's the big fucking problem in the world

What is your fuckin problem? You're an antagonistic gob shite. .

Sorry but your problems seem very trivial compared to others I've had to deal with today!.

I'll take my bad mood elsewhere

I think that's an excellent idea.

You have simply been rude and ignorant. If you are uninterest in a topic, just don't post.

Nita"
.

Yea! Maybe, I've just come back from my sisters where I was helping pay off some debt collectors because her husband has had a nervous breakdown, he just couldn't cope any longer with his three year old daughter's inoperable brain tumour... So yeah I'm in a bad mood,I genuinely hope nobody actually has to worry about any fucking serious stuff in their shitty lives.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Signed Todd

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By *ENGUYMan
over a year ago

Hull

OP,

I too am job searching at the moment. But I fully realise there are "rules" for everyone to follow, whether you like it or not.

Some companies require a dress code because the role you are after dictates certain conditions, or you are going to be in the public eye, and potentially acting in some representative role. Appearance is everything these days.

Tough as it may seem, sometimes you have to conform, you have to bend to meet their requirements. Think of it, it may only be for 8 hours a day.

That leaves 16 hours to be yourself.

In my business sector, Hotels & Hospitality, you'd more than likely have to conform, that is no nose studs, no visible tattoos, simple earrings, no flashy multiple rings on hands and hair in normal colours (not dyed in colours).

To some, it may appear old fashioned. To me in the past, I haven't taken on applicants who haven't matched our requirements.

These days, plenty of people will take jobs and meet company standards. It's life.

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By *norksterMan
over a year ago

Darlington and beyond

"Having lost my job (which I'll not get into because the discrimination angers me) I've obv had interviews. Today's saw the line of the jobs mine if I "take my piercings out, dye my hair and don't wear fake nails (accused of until I proved not fake.... all ladies and gentlemen for a zero hour contract!

Now it wasn't a prestigious role iy was one because if I don't have a job my kids don't eat and I'll lose my house - in a nutshell. Just to keep things ticking over.

Where does discrimination begin and end? "

I run a small business and our policy is for heels, skirts and stockings, mind some of the guys look a bit weird, only joking..

I guess as people have already said, that if you're dealing with the general public, then depending on what the service is, will depend on company policies, but if you're not then I don't see the issue.

I personally don't see anything wrong with people being individuals, and think it can be a positive talking point; I also think that if the person is bubbly and outgoing, then it makes a better impact than people who seem to be dark and inclusive, as I think that can be the thing that makes people wary of them.

I say be yourself, and you will find the right career choice that suits your personality and appearance.

Alternatively, I could do with a PA with benefits..

Good luck..

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By *norksterMan
over a year ago

Darlington and beyond

Now it wasn't a prestigious role iy was one because if I don't have a job my kids don't eat and I'll lose my house - in a nutshell. Just to keep things ticking over.

Where does discrimination begin and end?

I run a small business and our policy is for heels, skirts and stockings, mind some of the guys look a bit weird, only joking..

I say be yourself, and you will find the right career choice that suits your personality and appearance.

Alternatively, I could do with a PA with benefits..

Good luck.. "

Oh, and by the way, I have a punch bag..

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By *unandbuckCouple
over a year ago

Sheffield

"I just watched the famine in Somaliland, they've got real problems

They do have their own very unique set of problems. Don't see how it's relevant and if you're just being hostile take your hostility and away .

So somebody doesn't want to employ you with red hair!! That's the big fucking problem in the world

What is your fuckin problem? You're an antagonistic gob shite. .

Sorry but your problems seem very trivial compared to others I've had to deal with today!.

I'll take my bad mood elsewhere

I think that's an excellent idea.

You have simply been rude and ignorant. If you are uninterest in a topic, just don't post.

Nita"

He took his views well away....

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

This subject is always up for debate.

I worked for a company a few years back who kicked off about facial hair.

I had decided I was going to grow a beard. Now I knew it was gonna take a weeks to grow. I was in the office collecting equipment when I got pulled into the bosses office about my appearance. I was never scruffy and always presented myself well. I was even trimming my facial hair to keep it neat whilst still growing it.

I then got told that I had to choose between having a beard or clean shaven. I said I was growing a beard and the reply I got still shocks me. I was told to do it in my own time and now company time. To take annual leave and return when it was fully grown!

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By *unandbuckCouple
over a year ago

Sheffield

"This subject is always up for debate.

I worked for a company a few years back who kicked off about facial hair.

Sorry, that's funny. Could you buy a beard wig and let yours grow underneath it, until it's ready?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"This subject is always up for debate.

I worked for a company a few years back who kicked off about facial hair.

Sorry, that's funny. Could you buy a beard wig and let yours grow underneath it, until it's ready?"

The most ironic thing is he had a moustache. I should asked him if he grew it on holiday or not.

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