This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/may/26/lost-dream-job-emirates-depression-mental-health

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
I lost my dream job with Emirates because of depression I lost my dream job with Emirates because of depression
(about 1 hour later)
In March 2014 I was shortlisted from thousands of applicants and invited to an Emirates open day for a cabin crew role. Following an incredibly tense assessment day I made it through to the final interview stage. Within three weeks I received a phone call congratulating me on being successful and that I would be moving to Dubai in June. I was briefly told that I would have to meet some pre-medical conditions, but never imagined what was to unfold next. In March 2014 I was shortlisted from thousands of applicants and invited to an Emirates open day for a cabin crew role. Following an incredibly tense assessment day I made it through to the final interview stage. Within three weeks I received a phone call congratulating me on being successful and that I would be moving to Dubai in June. I was briefly told that I would have to meet some medical conditions, but never imagined what was to unfold next.
After finally receiving the extensive pre-medical forms, I was shocked to learn that Emirates does not accept employees with long-term recurrent mental health issues, and that isolated cases required a doctor's report. I was slightly concerned, having suffered with isolated bouts of depression in the past. I supplied the required report, where my doctor states that I am mentally and physically fit, that I no longer require any medication and that these were isolated cases linked to specific traumatic events. After finally receiving the extensive medical forms, I was shocked to learn that Emirates does not accept employees with long-term recurrent mental health issues, and that isolated cases required a doctor's report. I was slightly concerned, having suffered with isolated bouts of depression in the past. I supplied the required report, where my doctor states that I am mentally and physically fit, that I no longer require any medication and that these were isolated cases linked to specific traumatic events.
Throughout the whole process I was required to receive a numerous amount of costly vaccinations, dental examinations and medical reports within a tight deadline. Me and my family started to prepare for my departure to Dubai a matter of weeks away.Throughout the whole process I was required to receive a numerous amount of costly vaccinations, dental examinations and medical reports within a tight deadline. Me and my family started to prepare for my departure to Dubai a matter of weeks away.
Last week I received an email from Emirates stating that I had not met their pre-medical conditions and that the job offer had been withdrawn. The single paragraph left me shocked and heartbroken. I had had my dream job taken away from me and lost a substantial amount of money because I suffered with depression. Mental health discrimination is illegal in England and Wales but Emirates seem to avoid this because they abide by UAE laws. Last week I received an email from Emirates stating that I had not met their medical conditions and that the job offer had been withdrawn. The single paragraph left me shocked and heartbroken. I had had my dream job taken away from me and lost a substantial amount of money because I suffered with depression. Mental health discrimination is illegal in England and Wales but Emirates seem to avoid this because they abide by UAE laws.
I don't feel as if the company that was voted "world's best airline" should be treating its employees and potential employees in this manner. If the person is medically fit, capable of performing the job, and free of use of medication, then why deny them the role? They have already proven their suitability through the rigorous interview process, however a past use of antidepressants automatically negates this. I think a serious 21st-century reconsideration is needed in Emirates' selection process – not that they agree, having since released a statement stating that they have a "clear and fair recruitment process".I don't feel as if the company that was voted "world's best airline" should be treating its employees and potential employees in this manner. If the person is medically fit, capable of performing the job, and free of use of medication, then why deny them the role? They have already proven their suitability through the rigorous interview process, however a past use of antidepressants automatically negates this. I think a serious 21st-century reconsideration is needed in Emirates' selection process – not that they agree, having since released a statement stating that they have a "clear and fair recruitment process".
Depression has made me a stronger, healthier person and has provided me with skills to empathise with all types of people and to deal with high-pressure situations.Depression has made me a stronger, healthier person and has provided me with skills to empathise with all types of people and to deal with high-pressure situations.
I initially set up a Facebook page called Emirates Against Depression to warn other aspiring cabin crew against the unfair treatment by the airline. I have received an overwhelming response from people all over the world sharing their personal stories of Emirates, other airlines and even other industries. I want to continue to raise awareness of discrimination against mental health sufferers and help people who have been in my situation. The messages I am receiving clearly show that there remains a stigma attached to mental health sufferers within the workplace. This is not acceptable. I am not afraid of talking about my depression, it's made me who I am today; a strong, resilient, hard-working person. Emirates has lost out.I initially set up a Facebook page called Emirates Against Depression to warn other aspiring cabin crew against the unfair treatment by the airline. I have received an overwhelming response from people all over the world sharing their personal stories of Emirates, other airlines and even other industries. I want to continue to raise awareness of discrimination against mental health sufferers and help people who have been in my situation. The messages I am receiving clearly show that there remains a stigma attached to mental health sufferers within the workplace. This is not acceptable. I am not afraid of talking about my depression, it's made me who I am today; a strong, resilient, hard-working person. Emirates has lost out.