Hand and neck tattoos allowed in the Army

The Army is relaxing restrictions on hand and neck tattoos as they are now “more acceptable in society”.

It follows a review of policy of tattoos earlier this year.

Beforehand tattoos on the hand and neck were seen as a possible bar to entering the army for potential new recruits.

The new rules state that designs must not be visible in a passport-style photo if the soldier’s top button is undone on an open-necked shirt, the Mirror reported.

A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: “Tattoos have become more acceptable in society over the last decade and, in recent years, there has been an increasing number of personnel with tattoos on visible areas.

“There is no evidence that commanders have found these to have an adverse impact on operational effectiveness and as a result there has been reluctance to discharge those who breached the policy.”