A PILOT from Dorset has won her three-year battle with BA to be allowed to work part-time.

Jessica Starmer, from Wareham, has been fighting to work 50 per cent of a full-time week so she could look after her young daughter.

She won an employment tribunal claim of sex discrimination and was successful after an appeal by the airline against the decision.

BA said it had decided not to take the case to the Court of Appeal and would allow Mrs Starmer to reduce her hours to 50 per cent.

Jim McAuslan, general secretary of the British Airline Pilots Association (Balpa), said: "We are delighted with this outcome for Jessica and others in her position.

"But this is only one step in Balpa's effort to get the industry to be more flexible in accommodating individuals who want lifestyle choice.

"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."

BA said that as well as withdrawing its appeal, it would be making a donation to a charity of Mrs Starmer's choosing and contributing towards her costs in the case.

BA said in a joint statement with Balpa: "British Airways intends that pilots in similar circumstances to Mrs Starmer will be eligible for 50 per cent contracts subject to the same measures in the future.

"British Airways and Mrs Starmer each recognise the need for flexibility on the part of employers to enable parents to balance the needs of a demanding career and family life.

"Both British Airways and Mrs Starmer are pleased that these issues have been resolved in a way that allows Mrs Starmer to progress her career as a commercial airline pilot and care for her children."