I've noticed this, as well. I don't have any tattoos yet, but I do a lot of research into them, and the "community" of tattooed people. It's a shame that many people don't get hired because of simple tattoos. Like you said, even small, tasteful tattoos!
Personally, I like seeing employees with tattoos. It's like learning a tiny something about them, without even meeting them. There's a guy that works at my favorite cafe restaurant in town, and he has multiple tattoos showing on his arms, all unoffensive and tasteful. He's often there when I am, so one day I asked him about one of his tattoos. He gladly told me the story behind it and what it meant. He's a perfect example of a tattooed employee, and he's a great employee, it seems!
But there's a man who works at a big clothing store in town, too, with a scary tattoo on his forearm. It's a bloody, freaky clown face, with the most sinister and crazy grin and expression. That man makes me nervous. I honestly wish they would ask him to cover the tattoo. He deserves to have a job, but that can be a very offensive tattoo.