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A Baillieston teenager has launched a petition to demand bereavement leave at work following the death of a family pet.

Emma McNulty started the campaign after being left "disgusted" at the reaction of her employers when she asked for a day of absence following the loss of her beloved Yorkshire Terrier, Milly.

Having had the pooch for 14 years, Emma was understandably devastated when she passed away on Saturday, so she called her bosses at a local fast food chain restaurant to tell them she wouldn't make it into work that same day.

But instead of being shown compassion, the 18-year-old claims she was fired.

Emma explained: "I informed my manager I could not come into work as I was too devastated and physically sick to do so.

"Instead of being shown the compassion and sympathy stated in the contract, I was sent a number of nasty messages and told I had to cover my shift as no bereavement time was allowed for pets.

"I did not go to work that day and I was fired and left unemployed the same day as losing my best friend, this caused me extreme distress and sickness."

Emma had been scheduled to start work at 3pm on Saturday, but says she messaged her manager at 10am and was told it was her responsibility to find cover, or else she'd face disciplinary action.

After her search for a replacement was unsuccessful, Emma claims she was told not to bother coming in for her shifts the rest of the week, before being informed over email that she had been fired due to gross misconduct.

Emma has now vowed to do her bit to stop other people experiencing the same trauma.

(Image: Jade McNulty)

She is calling for employers to update their policies and introduce bereavement leave for people when their pets pass away.

She added: "I think it’s disgusting how some companies think it’s acceptable to treat someone in this way with no remorse, a family pet (in my case my dog) has just as much importance as a human family member.

"She was a valued family member and companion, I grew up with her and developed a close relationship that only grew each day.

"It’s time companies acknowledged this and give people the time they need to grieve, with no worry of losing their job."

Have a look at Emma's petition here.

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