BA will review uniform policy after crucifix row

British Airways is ready to climb down over its refusal to allow a Christian check-in worker to wear a cross over her uniform.

Nadia Eweida was sent home for wearing a crucifix

In the face of a public outcry, a threat from the Church of England to withdraw its £10.25 million investment in the airline and condemnation from more than 100 MPs at Westminster, BA announced an immediate review of its uniform policy.

The move, which was announced by Willie Walsh, BA’s chief executive, came as support for Nadia Eweida continued to grow.

One option being considered by the airline would be to allow staff to wear religious symbols as lapel badges.

While a BA spokesman declined to “pre-empt” the review, the willingness to find a way in which Miss Eweida, 55, could display her faith represents a major volte-face by Mr Walsh, who had until now steadfastly refused to change the airline’s position.

Announcing the decision to re-examine its policy, Mr Walsh said: “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.”

Clearly stung by some of the criticism BA has faced, he added: “I am proud to lead an airline that has a track record on diversity and inclusion which is second to none.”

Earlier in the day Dr Rowan Williams, the Archbishop of Canterbury, stepped up the pressure on BA by disclosing the issue had been raised with the Church Commissioners, which looks after the Anglicans’ financial interests.

The BA move was welcomed by Vince Cable, Miss Eweida’s MP, who said he was “delighted” by the decision.

Read Another Article

School assistant who would not compromise over veil is sacked
How the archbishop took on the world’s favourite airline – and won

Related News Articles Topic(s): Religion in the Workplace Subscribe to Religion News Blog updates Subscribe to Religion News Blog [What is this?] Get Religion News Blog's headline by Email [What is this?] Follow Religion News Blog at Twitter Find Related Information Use our custom search engines to find additional research resources on religions and cults: ApologeticsSearch.com: Search for apologetics articles, books, videos, and other research resources across 135 Christian apologetics websites and blogs. CounterCultSearch.com: Search for information about (religious) cults, cult-like organizations, and cults experts -- as well as paranormal-, New Age, and pseudoscientific claims -- across 260+ websites, blogs and forums dedicated to cult research, spiritual abuse, ex-cult counseling & support. Find Related Religion & Spirituality Books at Amazon.com Religion in the Workplace Possibly related... or Most Popular Religion News Articles Kent Hovind: Evangelist arrested on federal charges Beast’s real mark devalued to ’616′ Muslim Woman Gives Sex Advice on Arab TV Michael Jackson Confirms Conversion to Islam Kent Hovind, ‘Dr. Dino,’ guilty on all counts The fall and rise of Carlton Pearson Search False prophet Harold Camping sets another date for rapture: May 21, 2011 Watch the film Theo van Gogh was murdered for Kent Hovind — Dr. Dino — sentenced to 10 years in prison

Search Religion News Blog