The majority of British employers admit to making a decision NOT to employ someone – because of their appearance.
Despite UK employment laws banning employers from discriminating against anyone because of their sex, religion or other personal characteristics, many continue to do so.
Of 51 per cent who admitted discrimination, just under half (43 per cent) turned down a candidate because of visible tattoos or their choice of clothes.
Hair colour or style put off a third of judgmental bosses, while a further 21 per cent say their interviewee failed to land the job because they had a disability.
Andrew Bush, group HR director at leading hospitality employer Greene King, speaking head of National Apprenticeship Week, said: "Employers should be open-minded and hire people based on potential, rather than just appearance.
"Unfortunately, our research shows many businesses still judge a book by its cover – which means those talented, intelligent and experienced applicants could be overlooked because they don't conventionally 'look the part'.
"For us at Greene King, the most important thing is for our people deliver great service and reflect the diverse customers we serve across the country.
"Having a tattoo, or a piercing, doesn't mean you are unable to do a job efficiently. Employers could be discriminating against potentially brilliant candidates."
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The study, of 1,000 business owners, also found almost half of bosses admitted they can't 'look beyond' an interviewee's appearance, despite their ability to do the job.
Just under one third find it harder to ignore visible tattoos when considering a new applicant for a role.
Visible piercings can be a distraction for 28 per cent of employers, while a quarter can't turn a blind eye to the way someone is dressed.
And nine out of 10 employers say having a smart appearance is important for the positions they normally hire for.
The study found 57 per cent of bosses would be a little more lenient with an applicant's appearance if they are younger.
But the average believes adults should take on a more 'professional look' by the time they reach the age of 24.
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Employers are just as picky when it comes to qualifications, with 38 per cent reluctant to hire anyone who had dropped out of school.
Candicates who failed to get through college lack appeal for 30 per cent of bosses, while one quarter of employers would not hire someone who hadn't been to university.
The vast majority (85 per cent) of those polled claim to be 'open minded', yet 37 per cent admit social class matters when it comes to a candidate's suitability for a job.
Another 21 per cent of those polled, via OnePoll, said they definitely would not hire someone with a criminal record.
Greene King runs an award-winning apprenticeship 'look beyond' programme which is available to all team members.
It has partnered with The Prince's Trust to support young people into work, and with 'Novus' and 'Only A Pavement Away' to recruit ex-offenders,Andrew Bush added: "It is disappointing to find that in this modern day and age, employers are still discriminating against potential candidates.
"We are committed to celebrating the value that apprenticeships can bring, not just for employers, but for communities and individuals across the nation – with our roles helping team members achieve qualifications and long-term careers in the hospitality industry.
"Our mission is to take on as many talented and passionate people, providing them the opportunity to learn and earn, regardless of their background, appearance, race or disability."
- To find out more about Greene King's apprenticeship programme, which has supported 12,000 apprentices since 2011, click here
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