THE British Airways employee banned from wearing a cross to work last night expressed her elation that the airline was changing its policy to allow uniformed staff to wear a "symbol of faith".

The disciplinary action against Nadia Eweida sparked a debate across the UK about religious tolerance and multi-culturalism, with many Christians claiming they felt like a persecuted minority as a result of political correctness designed to protect other faiths.

The airline's U-turn was welcomed by faith leaders in Scotland but while BA cleared up one dispute yesterday, another row has led to a boycott call if the airline goes ahead with proposals which could have ground crew staff in Scotland face redundancy or loss of conditions.

Rival operators Flybe are looking to take over the regional BA Connect services, sparking a review of BA ground staff. Writing in The Herald today, Brian Wilson, the former government minister, has said he will boycott BA if that happens and he urges others to do the same.

After it was revealed that BA had backed down over the issue of staff wearing religious jewellery, Miss Eweida, 55, said the decision was "long overdue". She had refused to return to work at Heathrow Airport after the company told her she could not wear a cross. She lost an appeal against the decision in November but was told she did have the right to a second appeal.

A spokesman for the Church of Scotland said: "Members of the different faith communities in the UK have a mutual respect for each other's symbols. The sight of a cross was never likely to offend anyone. In that context this is a sensible decision."

Peter Kearney, of the Roman Catholic Church in Scotland, said: "We very much welcome this decision by British Airways. Freedom of religious expression is a pillar of any democracy and should be upheld at all times.

"Also, it is to be hoped this decision marks the beginning of the end of thoughtless, politically-correct over-sensitivity on the part of employers and others."

Teresa Smith, of the Scottish Christian People's Alliance, which will be contesting the Holyrood election in May, said: "British Airways has at last seen sense. In a democracy people should be able to show the symbols of their religion, whether that be Christian, Muslim, Sikh or whatever."

At her home in London, Miss Eweida said she had not received any formal notification from BA but welcomed the announcement the airline had changed its position. "I don't think any other religion other than Christianity would have been treated so badly," she added.

Miss Eweida said she wanted to thank the British public and Christian groups who had voiced their support for her stand and said if it had not been for the publicity she received her case would have been "discarded".

When the furore over Miss Eweida's cross erupted in October last year, BA said it had not banned religious jewellery but that it had to be hidden from view. The airline said it had offered Miss Eweida a non-uniformed job where she could wear the cross but she had turned it down.

Miss Eweida claimed she had worn the small cross throughout her seven years with BA and accused the firm of religious discrimination.

The airline came under immense pressure to change its uniform policy after Miss Eweida lost her appeal. Leading union and religious figures criticised BA over its stance and called on it to reconsider.

In a statement last night, the airline said it had taken the decision following a comprehensive review of its uniform policy and in consultation with various religious groups.

It said staff and customers had been consulted on the issue and the views of representatives from the Church of England, the Catholic Church and the Muslim Council of Britain had been sought.

The airline's chief executive, Willie Walsh, said that the company had "unintentionally" found itself at "the centre of one of the hottest social issues in current public debate".

He said: "Most of those consulted felt a lapel pin was an acceptable and reasonable option. However, some res-pondents believed a pin would not satisfy all Christians."