Spy agency MI5 makes major recruiting change in bid to find next real life James Bond

SPY agency bosses recruiting the next generation of James Bonds have given the thumbs up to tattoos.

They used to have a “no visible” inkings rule for MI5 operatives.

Now the UK security service has told would-be spies: “You are welcome to apply if you have tattoos.

"However, for your safety, there may be occasions where you would need to cover them.”

The inkings contrast with Daniel Craig, Sean Connery and Roger Moore’s clean 007.

The news was delivered in a question and answer session on Instagram.

MI5 is also trying to recruit more women and people from ethnic minority backgrounds, and is offering flexible working.

Wannabe espionage officers are told: “We offer flexi-time where there is no requirement to work set formal hours. This allows you to manage your contractually agreed hours with a degree of autonomy and flexibility.

“We offer compressed hours to those who want to work their usual full-time hours (36 hours) in fewer days, with no reduction in pay. For example, a five-day week can be compressed into four days.

“We recognise our employees have family commitments and offer an arrangement where you reduce your hours or take time off during any school holidays.

“Job Share….this is an arrangement where a full-time post is divided into two part-time roles and the job holders share the overall duties and responsibilities.”