‘I felt shame’: former BA worker locked in legal battle after losing job of 30 years

Cabin crew worker was among thousands of staff laid off during pandemic in what MPs called a ‘national disgrace’

During a 30-year career as a member of British Airways’ cabin crew, Tess De Mello took pride in a job well done, saying she regularly went above and beyond to make passengers more comfortable. To her, the role was more than just employment – it was part of her identity.

“I took pride,” she said. “I really took pride in myself, I took pride in my role, I took pride in everything because it was everything I wanted to be.”