pilots and ground teams are no longer required to wear gendered uniform and may instead choose which outfit best represents them.The policy change is part of a wider relaxing of the airline's uniform rules. In 2019, Virgin Atlantic removed itsmandatory makeup requirement for female staff and allowed women to wear trousers and flat shoes. Earlier this year, it also became the first UK airline to allow visible tattoos.Optional pronoun badges have also been introduced for staff along with mandatory inclusivity training.Passengers, too, can opt to wear pronoun badges.
Gender neutral 'U' or 'X' codes are now available on the airline's booking system along with the title 'Mx.' for people holding gender neutral passports, which are available in a handful of countries including Argentina, Austria, Australia, Canada, Colombia, Denmark, Germany, Iceland, India, Ireland, Malta, Nepal, the Netherlands, New Zealand and Pakistan. In an announcement of the new rules, Virgin Atlantic states, "The policy champions the individuality of Virgin Atlantic’s people by enabling them to wear the clothing that expresses how they identify or present themselves."The move is backed by research showing that allowing staff to embrace their individuality at work creates a better experience for both employees and customers. Data - collected by 3Gem in 2022 on behalf of Virgin - found that it increases mental wellbeing by 49 per cent and feelings of happiness by 65 per cent. The market researcher polled 2,000 adults across the UK. The uniforms, designed by Vivienne Westwood, consist of a red jacket and pencil skirt or a burgundysuit.
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Vivienne Westwood