Can I request earrings and piercings be removed in the workplace?

In general you can - provided the standards are applied equally to both men and women, and are clearly linked to the requirements of your business.

It's important to be sensitive to particular cultural dress requirements.

It is unlawful to prevent someone from wearing religious dress in accordance with their religious beliefs in work or study.

For example allowances need to be made for people who wear adornments of religious significance, like bangles worn by Sikh men, or crucifixes worn by Christians.

Can I specify that tattoos are not shown in the workplace?

Yes you can - in most cases.

Tattoos are not specifically covered by equal opportunity laws, however it's important to remember that for some groups tattoos may hold particular cultural significance.

Can I ask female employees to wear skirts or dresses?

No. Not allowing female staff to wear trousers is sex discrimination.

Can I insist that all men be clean shaven and cut their hair short for work?

A blanket requirement that all male staff be clean shaven may discriminate against some people.

It is unlawful to prevent someone from having appearance or wearing religious dress in accordance with their religious beliefs in work or study.

For example, some Sikh men do not shave in accordance with religious beliefs.

Similarly, requiring men to keep their hair cut short may result in sex discrimination.