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BA pilot's part-time work victory | BA pilot's part-time work victory |
(about 4 hours later) | |
A female British Airways pilot has succeeded in a three-year campaign to be allowed to work part-time. | A female British Airways pilot has succeeded in a three-year campaign to be allowed to work part-time. |
Jessica Starmer, from Wareham in Dorset, had been denied a request to work part-time so she could look after her daughter, Beth. | Jessica Starmer, from Wareham in Dorset, had been denied a request to work part-time so she could look after her daughter, Beth. |
BA said it had withdrawn an appeal against a previous sex discrimination employment tribunal ruling, which had found in her favour. | BA said it had withdrawn an appeal against a previous sex discrimination employment tribunal ruling, which had found in her favour. |
The airline said it would allow Ms Starmer to cut her work hours by 50%. | The airline said it would allow Ms Starmer to cut her work hours by 50%. |
The firm added that it would make a donation to a charity of Ms Starmer's choice and a contribution to her costs. | The firm added that it would make a donation to a charity of Ms Starmer's choice and a contribution to her costs. |
Ms Starmer said she was keen to put the long-running dispute behind her. | |
"I'm looking forward to a positive relationship with British Airways in the future," she told the BBC. | |
"I see it as a matter of culture change, I think the culture is changing. Women do have careers now, but at the same time they want to look after their children and do the best for their children." | |
'Show flexibility' | 'Show flexibility' |
BA had argued that its refusal to allow Ms Starmer to work fewer hours was a health and safety issue, because she had not completed the required amount of flying hours under the company's rules. | BA had argued that its refusal to allow Ms Starmer to work fewer hours was a health and safety issue, because she had not completed the required amount of flying hours under the company's rules. |
But in a joint statement issued on behalf of the airline, Ms Starmer and pilots' union Balpa, BA said it now recognised "the high standards that she has been able to maintain". | But in a joint statement issued on behalf of the airline, Ms Starmer and pilots' union Balpa, BA said it now recognised "the high standards that she has been able to maintain". |
The airline added: "Her flying experience has now reached a level which, together with other measures agreed with British Airways, satisfies its safety concerns." | The airline added: "Her flying experience has now reached a level which, together with other measures agreed with British Airways, satisfies its safety concerns." |
BA added that pilots in similar circumstances to Ms Starmer would be eligible for 50% contracts in the future, subject to conditions. | BA added that pilots in similar circumstances to Ms Starmer would be eligible for 50% contracts in the future, subject to conditions. |
The airline said it planned to review a flying hours threshold, whereby pilots must have flown for a total of 2,000 hours before being considered for a shorter contract. | The airline said it planned to review a flying hours threshold, whereby pilots must have flown for a total of 2,000 hours before being considered for a shorter contract. |
Ms Starmer joined BA in 2001 and pilots short-haul flights to destinations across Europe. | Ms Starmer joined BA in 2001 and pilots short-haul flights to destinations across Europe. |
"We are delighted with this outcome for Jessica and others in her position," said Balpa general secretary Jim McAuslan. | "We are delighted with this outcome for Jessica and others in her position," said Balpa general secretary Jim McAuslan. |
"Pilots are in a highly skilled profession, in short supply, and unless airlines start to show flexibility, they will struggle to recruit amongst this talented pool." | "Pilots are in a highly skilled profession, in short supply, and unless airlines start to show flexibility, they will struggle to recruit amongst this talented pool." |
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