It appears that the recession isn’t bad news for everyone. A large number of laser clinics are seeing a boom in business as the out of work inked look to enhance their employment credentials.
According to the Patient’s Guide, a website comprised of 25 niche publications dedicated to skin care, there has been a 32% increase in laser tattoo removal in the US over the past year alone, with 40% of those asked citing employment as a main reason for the treatment.
Dr Jen Mundt of Delete Tattoo Removal in Phoenix says she is seeing over 20 people a day on average who wish to get rid of unsightly body art in order to help them find work.
“The trend I’ve noticed the most is usually college students who have finished their education, and it’s a mistake they made a few years ago, and they’re looking for a job,” she told ABC News. “As well as people who have lost their jobs and are trying to get back into the workforce and gain an edge.”
Tattoo removal can be a costly and painful business, but it’s obviously a price worth paying for many who feel they are holding them back when it comes to returning to the job market.
At each tattoo removal session, a laser penetrates the skin and hunts out colour pigment, which is then broken into smaller particles that are absorbed into the bloodstream and fade, before disappearing completely over time.
It’s believed that a quarter of Americans between the ages of 18 and 50 sport some form of body art as tattoos have seen a resurgence in popularity over recent years. Yet despite their popularity, inked artwork on prominent parts of the arms and hands is still seen as a no-no by many employers.
It was recently reported by MSNBC that a survey conducted by the site Careerbuilder.com found that 31% of hiring managers considered tattoos to be the top physical attributes that can limit a job seeker’s career potential, with only piercings and bad breath being thought of as worse.
Such is the concern over the link between tattoos and unemployment a skin restoration clinic in Grimsby, Lincolnshire has teamed up with the Army Careers Service in an attempt to get people back into work.
Skin Restoration Laser Clinic is offering special sessions of treatment for people whose tattoos are becoming a barrier to employment.
Rob Dawson and Jo Robertson, who recently opened the new business on the back of the increase in those wanting removals, believe some jobseekers are turned away from roles if they have visible body art.
"To help people out we are offering unique deals," said Rob. "We are working closely with the Army Careers Service and have suggested that anyone struggling to get into the Army because of tattoos can visit us with an official letter to have their first removal session for free.
“We are doing a similar thing with the Job Centre. Anyone who is identified as finding it hard to secure employment because of their tattoos will also receive their first removal session free.”
Despite this seemingly open display of dislike for the tattoo, employers are not bound by any legislation when it comes to who they hire and who they don’t. As long as they do not discriminate based on race, gender, age, national origin or disability a candidate has to accept their decision.
