British Airways has announced it will now allow its staff to wear a "symbol of faith" openly after a massive row erupted over the airline's decision to ban a check-in worker from wearing a cross. Church leaders, including the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, have welcomed the decision.
Nadia Eweida, 55, said she was "elated" that the airline had changed its uniform policy, adding that the decision to allow people to wear a cross or other symbols of their faith was "long overdue".
The change in policy will come into effect on February 1, when any of the airline's 34,000 staff who wear a uniform will be allowed to openly wear a symbol of faith, including a cross and chain.
Miss Eweida said, "This was a surprise to me," adding that BA had given her no notice of the decision.
She also said she was "grateful" to the church, the public and the media for their support.
BA's U-turn follows a heated and lengthy public debate, during which the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, previously denounced the airline's behaviour as "nonsense" and numerous MPs threatened to boycott BA.
The Archbishop of Canterbury welcomed the announcement from BA yesterday that it had reversed its uniform policy. Dr Rowan Williams said: "I am grateful that BA have listened to the deep concerns that have been expressed about this issue and that their change of policy now allows Christians to wear crosses openly.
"Important issues have been raised. This is a positive and constructive outcome."
Meanwhile, the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, said, "Praise the Lord!"
Dr Sentamu had previously said that BA was forgetting the values of the nation it was representing. Yesterday he declared that the airline had "finally shown both grace and magnanimity".
Ms Eweida continued, "This is not about me, it is about the rights of Christian workers throughout British Airways and beyond to be able to demonstrate their faith.
