How far should you go to protect religious beliefs at work?

The case of Eweida v British Airways plc (case ref UKEAT/0123/08), concerning religious jewellery at work, seems to have taken on David and Goliath proportions. Although British Airways’ uniform policy now permits Eweida to wear a cross on a necklace, she is continuing her appeal with the support of civil rights group Liberty, a cast of politicians and a number of other interested parties.

Liberty is arguing that employees of all religions should be able to wear public manifestations of their faith, provided that doing so does not prevent them from doing their jobs or expose others to harm or risk.
 

Language does not simply reflect what is going on in organisational life: it also influences what people think and what they do

Linda Holbeche, director of the Holbeche Partnership and visiting professor of HRM/OD at Cass Business School