I lost my dream work with Emirates due to the fact of depression | Megan Cox

‘I was shortlisted from 1000′s of candidates and invited to an Emirates open day for a cabin crew position.’ Photograph: Scanpix/Reuters

In March 2014 I was shortlisted from 1000′s of candidates and invited to an Emirates open day for a cabin crew role. Following an exceptionally tense evaluation day I manufactured it via to the last interview stage. Inside 3 weeks I received a cellphone call congratulating me on being effective and that I would be moving to Dubai in June. I was briefly informed that I would have to meet some pre-medical circumstances, but by no means imagined what was to unfold subsequent.

After finally getting the comprehensive pre-health-related forms, I was shocked to find out that Emirates does not accept staff with lengthy-term recurrent psychological health troubles, and that isolated instances necessary a doctor’s report. I was slightly concerned, obtaining suffered with isolated bouts of depression in the past. I supplied the essential report, the place my medical professional states that I am mentally and physically fit, that I no longer require any medicine and that these have been isolated circumstances linked to particular traumatic events.

During the entire method I was necessary to receive a several quantity of pricey vaccinations, dental examinations and health care reviews inside of a tight deadline. Me and my household started out to put together for my departure to Dubai a matter of weeks away.

Final week I received an e-mail from Emirates stating that I had not met their pre-health-related conditions and that the occupation provide had been withdrawn. The single paragraph left me shocked and heartbroken. I had had my dream work taken away from me and lost a substantial quantity of money because I suffered with depression. Mental health discrimination is illegal in England and Wales but Emirates seem to be to keep away from this because they abide by UAE laws.

I do not feel as if the business that was voted “world’s best airline” need to be treating its staff and potential staff in this manner. If the person is medically match, capable of carrying out the task, and free of use of medicine, then why deny them the position? They have presently proven their suitability via the rigorous interview approach, however a previous use of antidepressants immediately negates this. I believe a significant 21st-century reconsideration is required in Emirates’ selection approach – not that they agree, obtaining considering that released a statement stating that they have a “clear and fair recruitment process”.

Depression has made me a more powerful, more healthy particular person and has offered me with capabilities to empathise with all kinds of individuals and to deal with high-stress circumstances.

I at first set up a Facebook page called Emirates Against Depression to warn other aspiring cabin crew against the unfair remedy by the airline. I have obtained an overpowering response from folks all in excess of the planet sharing their personal stories of Emirates, other airlines and even other industries. I want to proceed to increase awareness of discrimination towards psychological well being sufferers and help folks who have been in my situation. The messages I am acquiring clearly present that there stays a stigma attached to psychological health sufferers inside the workplace. This is not acceptable. I am not afraid of talking about my depression, it is manufactured me who I am today a strong, resilient, challenging-functioning person. Emirates has misplaced out.

I lost my dream work with Emirates due to the fact of depression | Megan Cox