piercings in workplace

[gipsy danger]

so at my job they don't allow piercing and I have a microdermal piercing on my upper right cheek and yeah. the microdermal is permanently implanted in my skin they tell me to take it off but me being part Aztec it goes with my culture. they wouldn't allow me to put a band-aid over it. I'm like wut o.o

[Foamy]

Have you told them that its part of your heritage/religion? Workplaces should be conscious of that. But it also depends on the job; what do you do?

[ReginaGeorge]

If it's a part of your culture then they should be allowing it. Sit down with someone in authority and explain to them that it's important. Also, keep in mind, I have no idea what you do, but if it's a hands-on job, then it could be a safety and/or hygiene issue. But definitely try to talk to someone.

[Eliza Snark]

Might I ask what sort of job you have, OP? I feel it might be relevant.

[Mortal Coil]

If it's part of your heritage then it's discriminatory for them not to allow it, unless of course this is a safety issue. The type of job you do, as mentioned earlier, is relevant.

[SmexiLexie510]

As evil.angel said, it can be classed as discrimination if you have explained to them about it being part of your heritage/culture. It would be interesting to know what job you have because my mother had a nose piercing and works in education and they have not even raised an eyebrow let alone told her to take it off.

[rachin2u42]

1st amendment violation in the works.

[TigerBoy]

1st amendment violation in the works.

Only if he works for a government organisation I believe. As I understand it, your 1st Ammendment is about preventing the government from censoring its citizens, not private entities.

[horizonlooker]

Only if he works for a government organisation I believe. As I understand it, your 1st Ammendment is about preventing the government from censoring its citizens, not private entities.

Lol, I love this kid. He's from England and know's about our rights. Good schools over there?
Anyways, the employer has a right, under the circumstances to deny you a job due to piercings/tattoos. If it poses a safety hazard, then yes, they're allowed to deny you the job you apply for.
But, most employers have exceptions if it has to due with culture or religion. Let the employer know this, and if they still deny you the job, ask them if there is another position where your piercing will be acceptable. If not, then look elsewhere.

[DerBear]

so at my job they don't allow piercing and I have a microdermal piercing on my upper right cheek and yeah. the microdermal is permanently implanted in my skin they tell me to take it off but me being part Aztec it goes with my culture. they wouldn't allow me to put a band-aid over it. I'm like wut o.o

If you explain to them that it is a part of your religion/heritage then you can tell them that and if the refuse to listen then it can be taken further as if it is a religious matter then you have the right to ware it.

[gipsy danger]

Might I ask what sort of job you have, OP? I feel it might be relevant.

i work at a indoor amusement park. i operate the little kid rides and sometime the go-carts

[TigerBoy]

Ok now it says you are in London so I've done a bit of research as I have an earring and I don't want to have to take it out to work next year.

The general advice for the UK seems to be that they can impose dress codes as long as they are justifiable and applied consistently.

In your case, if they say there is a safety concern then I believe they'd have to apply it to all piercings including earrings etc for everyone working (or even playing) in your environment. I think they are on very dodgy ground if your customers are allowed in your environment with piercings but you are not. If they say it is business image and you are in a customer facing role, it might be harder to argue.

http://www.myemploymentsolicitor.co.uk/dress_code_at_work.html
http://www.hardwicke.co.uk/articles/employment-law-what-not-to-wear/