Following on from Virgin Atlantic’s very well publicized recent overhaul of their uniform policy, British Airways staff (who normally wear uniforms), will from Monday 14th November be allowed to wear make-up, nail polish, earrings and ‘man buns’, although the ban on visible tattoos still applies.
Whilst the changes may not be as radical as those brought in by Virgin, the airline’s updated guidelines - which incorporate non-gender-specific rules - are a far cry from the strict rules that the staff are used to conforming to.
Male pilots and cabin crew will now be allowed to wear a "touch of mascara and lip colour" as well as false eyelashes, although in the refreshed guidance staff will be urged to use “subtle shades” and aim for a “natural look” - for example black and neon nail polish will not be permitted.
BA has told staff to:
“be bold, be proud, be yourself”
They stated:
“We are proud of all of our colleagues at British Airways and we are committed to an inclusive working environment.”
Adding:
“We have worked with our people to create updated guidelines for grooming, beauty and accessories, allowing our colleagues to bring the best, most authentic version of themselves to work every day.”
Taking one step further, Virgin Atlantic recently announced their policy of allowing staff to choose whichever of its Vivienne Westwood-designed uniform they feel most comfortable in. Men will be able to choose to wear skirts and women trousers - regardless of the fact that the original design was a red skirt for females and burgundy trousers for males - ‘depending on which best reflects themselves’. They are also allowed visible tattoos.
Additionally, the airline are to start using optional pronoun badges for crew and passengers and its ticketing systems will allow people whose passports have gender neutral markers to travel using those gender codes and the title Mx.
Juha Järvinen, Virgin Atlantic’s Chief Commercial Officer, said:
“It’s so important that we enable our people to embrace their individuality and be their true selves at work. It is for that reason that we want to allow our people to wear the uniform that best suits them and how they identify and ensure our customers are addressed by their preferred pronouns.”
