TRANSPORT union Unite called on Metroline Travel today to stop discriminating against a London bus worker who says she needs to wear the Rastafarian colours for religious reasons.

Marcia Carty, a bus driver based at Perivale depot in west London, has been barred by Metroline from wearing the green, gold and red colours of Rastafarianism on a head covering, despite her making it clear to managers that she needs to wear them to observe her religion properly.

Despite opening a formal grievance procedure, Ms Carty is willing to compromise by wearing a predominantly black headscarf that has a small area showing Rastafarian colours, but Metroline refuses to budge.

She has also accused local managers of disputing whether Rastafarianism is truly a religion.

The union has vowed raise the issue formally with Transport for London if Metroline does not back down in the situation.

Unite regional official John Murphy expressed “disappointment” at the company’s attitude.

“This is a clear case of religious discrimination, and it is imperative that the company realises its errors and allows our member to practice her religion,” he said.

“London is a multicultural city and most people will be shocked and appalled that a bus company is condoning religious discrimination, especially as it in no way interferes with our member performing her job.”

Metroline claimed that it “respects religious diversity,” but insisted that this was “not a case of religious discrimination” as "wearing the colours of her religion are not a religious requirement.”