Where do tattoo apprentices fall in UK employment law? Do they have rights? What should they expect from their employers?

Hi CJ, thanks for your question. 

This is indeed a bit of a grey area within the tattoo industry.

In terms of employment law, tattoo apprenticeships are not covered under UK employment law unless a contract has been drawn up and agreed between the artist/shop and the apprentice. 

An apprenticeship can differ from artist to artist, shop to shop. There is no set of conditions like there is for an office apprenticeship for example. We would advise doing your homework before agreeing to an apprenticeship and ask the shop/artist the right questions – and also try and get a contract. This contract should ideally have your working hours and salary (expect this to be low pay initially!) and also an agreement that you are there to learn the art of tattooing and are therefore required to work with the artist/shop for a set amount of time after you become a professional artist. 

Here’s an article that should also help. 

Thank you 
Barber DTS