BA to review uniform policy

Last updated at 17:06 24 November 2006


British Airways is to review its policy on uniforms in the wake of the row over a check-in worker told to stop wearing a cross, it was announced.

The airline's chief executive, Willie Walsh, said it had become clear that its policy will need to change in the light of the current debate surrounding the case of Nadia Eweida.

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The 55-year-old has been refusing to return to work at Heathrow airport since bosses told her last month she could not wear a necklace bearing a small cross over her uniform.

She lost an appeal against the decision earlier this week although she had the right to take a second appeal.

Mr Walsh said: "The recent debate about our uniform policy has unfairly accused British Airways of being anti-Christian.

"British Airways is proud of its uniform and proud of the diversity of its staff. One of the fundamental aims of our uniform policy is to be fair and non-discriminatory. Our current policy has served us well.

"Though our policy is consistent with that of many other airlines, it has become clear that the policy will need to change in the light of the public debate. Therefore I am initiating a review of the policy to begin immediately."

Mr Walsh went on: "The review will examine ways in which our uniform policy will be adapted to allow symbols of faith to be worn openly while remaining consistent with the British Airways brand and compliant with employment legislation.

"For example, our staff have suggested that we allow the wearing of religious symbols as small lapel badges. This will be considered as part of the review.

"The criticism of British Airways has been misplaced and unjustified. I am proud to lead an airline that has a track record on diversity and inclusion which is second to none."

The airline had come under increasing attack in recent days since Miss Eweida lost her appeal, with the Archbishop of York appealing to BA to reconsider its stand.

He described the decision to refuse the appeal as "nonsense" and based on flawed reasoning.

Civil rights group Liberty said BA's policy appeared to be "fundamentally misconceived".

BA said today it understood Miss Eweida was exercising her right to a second appeal, although there was no timescale for when it would be heard.

The airline denied any suggestion that passengers had cancelled flights with BA because of the controversy.

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