Aer Lingus has confirmed that its female cabin crew will no longer be required to wear make-up or skirts as part of new uniform rules.

The airline, which announced a rebranding earlier this year, will introduce new uniforms later this year which will include trouser options for female staff.

Following a report in The Times, Ireland edition, Aer Lingus said the new uniform is designed in partnership with a number of staff "to reflect changing dress norms and to better meet the needs of our guest-facing colleagues".

It says staff uniform guidelines are currently being completed, but will not include the mandatory use of make-up.

The new rules will come into effect in November when the new uniform is launched.

The confirmation comes after Virgin Atlantic announced that female cabin crew are to be allowed to work without wearing make-up and to wear trousers as a standard option in their signature red uniforms.

Previously trousers, although permitted, had to be specially ordered from the airline's uniforms department.

The changes come after feedback from employees.

Additional reporting Reuters