British Airways (BA) is set to review its policy over uniforms, after finding itself at the centre of an ethical row over its decision to stop one of its workers from wearing a cross.
Earlier in the week, Nadia Eweida, 55, lost her appeal against the decision, which stated that she could not wear the cross if she kept it visible while working at the BA check-in counter.The decision has put BA squarely at the centre of a public debate, with many members of the public taking the decision to boycott the airline until BA backed down.
Willie Walsh, BA Chief Executive, told reporters today that the airline was now reconsidering its uniform policy "in the light of the public debate".
Walsh stated that the airline would not consider allowing religious symbols to be worn as lapel badges, however, he was firm in saying that he considered it unfair that BA had been accused of being anti-Christian in its policies.
The controversy surrounding BA's decision centred on the fact that the airline had stopped Eweida from visibly wearing her tiny cross on a necklace, whereas it allowed people of other faiths to wear visible religious symbols such as headscarves.
Eweida commented following the BA announcement: "If they are going to review the policy and allow Christians their place in the workforce then that is a big relief."
