BA finally accepts flexible working request

Airline British Airways has announced that it is accepting a request for flexible working from a female pilot following a three-year battle.

Jessica Starmer has been calling for three years to be allowed to work part-time, reducing her hours by 50 per cent.

BA initially refused to approve Ms Starmer's request to work flexibly in order to spend more time with her two young children.

Ms Starmer, from Wareham in Dorset, won a claim of sex discrimination in an employment tribunal and has succeeded once more against the airline following an appeal case.

BA has stated that it does not plan to take the case to the Court of Appeal and will now allow Ms Starmer, whose husband is also a BA pilot, to cut her hours by 50 per cent.

The airline has also announced that it is making a donation to the charity of Ms Starmer's choice and will contribute towards her costs.

More female pilots are now expected to start working part-time following the 28-year-old's victory and the BA decision has been welcomed by the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC).

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Date:12/03/2007 11:35:10