Unite, the UK’s largest union, has described a new ‘appearance and
standards’ code for all staff employed by south Yorkshire police as
being ‘draconian’ and not reflecting society. The code was
introduced without consultation with Unite, which represents
civilian police staff in south Yorkshire, introduces stringent
rules for all staff including those in non-public facing roles.
In particular Unite is concerned over the rules regarding
hair, facial hair, tattoos,...Request free trial
Unite, the UK’s largest union, has described a new ‘appearance and
standards’ code for all staff employed by south Yorkshire police as
being ‘draconian’ and not reflecting society.
The code was introduced without consultation with
Unite, which represents civilian police staff in south Yorkshire,
introduces stringent rules for all staff including those in
non-public facing roles.
In particular Unite is concerned over the rules
regarding hair, facial hair, tattoos, jewellery and
footwear.
With regards to hair the policy
states: “Wear your hair so that it is cut or
secured above the collar and ears. Extreme and vivid hair colouring
is not permitted. Hair should be of natural colours and extra tones
should be natural and
subtle.”
With regards to facial hair designer stubble is banned
as the policy says, “An unshaven/stubbly
appearance is unacceptable”. Lengthy beards are
also barred.
South Yorkshire Police are also very
anti-tattoo. “Tattoos visible on your face, neck,
hands or head are not permitted,” tattoos on
forearms must be covered. Staff who get a visible tattoo will be
committing gross misconduct and applicants with visible tattoos
will not normally be recruited.
The organisation is also very concerned about jewellery
with all members of staff restricted to rings on just two
fingers.
There are also strict rules on
footwear: “Some styles of shoe are inappropriate
in certain situations due to health and safety considerations, eg
high-heeled shoes and open toe
sandals.”
Unite regional officer Shane Sweeting said:
“This is a draconian policy which is entirely
unnecessary.
“The rules on matters such as tattoos and
hair colouring mean that South Yorkshire police and police staff
will not reflect the community they serve, which is essential to
gain the support of the general
public.
“Unite fully appreciates that police
officers and public facing staff need to have some guidance but to
issue this huge procedures document is using a sledgehammer to
crack a nut.
“Unite will fully support any member who
falls foul of the policy or who believes that the policy is unfair
or discriminatory and we will be lobbying South Yorkshire police to
enter into meaningful negotiations to produce a workable policy
that reflects the society which we
live.”
