Christian tradesman wins right to display cross in his van

Posted 26/04/2011

A Christian tradesman who was told he could not put a palm cross on display in his van has been granted the right to do so following a meeting of a local authority.

Colin Atkinson, 64, is an electrician for Wakefield and District Housing and was told to remove the cross after it was claimed it broke company rules on employees displaying personal items in their vehicles.

However, Mr Atkinson received support from several high-ranking members of the Church – as well as people from other faiths – and after a meeting, the firm decided to allow him to display the item.

Wakefield and District Housing said: “We are on the verge of reaching an amicable solution, allowing Colin to be close to his faith whilst maintaining WDH values.”

Had Mr Atkinson been denied the right to display his cross, he is likely to have been able to take his case to an employment law tribunal.

Direct Gov noted that it is illegal in employment law for workers to be discriminated against on the grounds of their faith, with the law also protecting followers of less common beliefs.