Crucifix appeal to be heard by court today

An appeal against a controversial Employment Appeals Tribunal decision which followed a case of widespread national interest is to be heard today.

The Court of Appeal will consider the case of Eweida v British Airways Plc in the latest round in the ongoing battle between the check-in desk employee who was suspended for three months from October 2006 for refusing to remove a small cross from around her neck.

The Employment Appeals Tribunal ruled in November 2008 ([2008] All ER (D) 13 (Dec)) that banning Nadia Eweida from wearing a cross was not discriminatory, as she had claimed in her appeal, and instead found in favour of BA, who, after changing their policy, refused to admit their previous policy was illegal, and refused to pay the applicant for the three months she was unable to work.

For that trial, she had the assistance of a high-quality firm of solicitors from Surrey. However, as legal aid does not stretch to her case at this new level, Ms Eweida is to be represented by human rights group Liberty‘s own legal team – the same team that fought (and won) the recent stop and search appeal.

Legal Leanings understands that Liberty is to argue that it is only when it is necessary and proportionate should employers interfere with employees’ expressions of religious or cultural belief – regardless of what that belief might be.

Retiring Maidstone MP Ann Widdecombe and former Prime Minister Tony Blair have both voiced their support for Ms Eweida.

Remember to keep checking back on AlanWCollins for legal news and analysis from Medway and England, from the perspective of a law school undergraduate.

To return to Legal Leanings directly, bookmark legalleanings.co.uk in your preferred web browser.