British Airways announced today that it was changing its uniform policy to allow staff to openly wear crosses and other religious symbols.

The airline was drawn into a national debate, which included contributions from the Prime Minister, the Leader of the House and the archbishops of York and Canterbury, when it forbade a member of its check-in staff to wear a cross over her uniform last year.

Naida Eweida, 55, eventually lost her appeal against BA last November but the controversy, and criticism of the airline's senior management as "loopy", prompted a review of the rules that govern the appearance of the company's 34,000 staff.

BA said this afternoon that the airline had consulted representatives from the Church of England, the Roman Catholic Church and the Muslim Council of Britain before making the changes, which will allow "a lapel pin symbol of faith such as a Christian cross or a Star of David, with some flexibility for individuals to wear a symbol of faith on a chain". The changes come into effect on February 1.

In the past employees were allowed to wear crosses and other symbols but had to keep them hidden under their uniforms. Ms Eweida's refusal to cover up her cross led to her being offered a job away from direct contact with customers.

Willie Walsh, the chief executive of BA, conceded today that the changes might not satisfy all its staff but described the lapel pin compromise, with some room for symbols on necklaces, as "an acceptable and reasonable option".

"Unintentionally, we have found ourselves at the centre of one of the hottest social issues in current public debate," he said.

"Our uniform is one of the most powerful symbols of our company and heritage. Our staff wear it with pride and our customers recognise and value it. This modification will enable staff to wear symbols of faith openly without detracting from the uniform."

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