Virgin Atlantic Updates Cabin Crew Uniform and Appearance Policies

In 2018, we began updating our uniform and appearance guidelines to give employees greater choice over how they presented themselves at work. The changes followed feedback from our people and a review of longstanding grooming requirements, particularly those affecting female cabin crew. The revised policy removed the requirement for female cabin crew to wear make-up while on duty. Colleagues who preferred to wear make-up could continue to do so within our existing styling guidelines. We also made trousers a standard uniform option for female cabin crew, rather than requiring them to request trousers separately. The changes extended to footwear, with high heels no longer compulsory while working on the ground. The updated guidelines retained our established Vivienne Westwood uniforms while allowing employees greater flexibility and comfort. They reflected a shift away from prescriptive appearance standards towards giving colleagues more say in their working attire. The changes were publicly announced in March 2019, when we explained that employee feedback had played an important part in shaping the new policy.