Laura Fernee: Too pretty to work? (Picture: ITV)

A PhD graduate has claimed she was forced out of her science and medical research job because she was ‘too pretty to work’.

Laura Fernee said she quit her £30,000 laboratory job in 2011 after three years due to constant advances from male colleagues and persecution from jealous women.

The 33-year-old, who has not worked since, insisted: ‘I’m not lazy and I’m no bimbo.’

In an appearance on ITV’s This Morning she denied to presenters Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby she was being over-sensitive, and revealed she was writing a book to help women deal with similar situations in the workplace.




Ms Fernee said she had been left traumatised by bullying and harassment all because of her appearance.

‘The truth is my good looks have caused massive problems for me when it comes to employment, so I’ve made the decision that employment just isn’t for me at the moment,’ she told the Daily Mirror in a separate interview.

‘It’s not my fault… I can’t help the way I look.’

While male colleagues constantly asked her out on dates or left romantic notes at her desk, Ms Fernee said women rarely asked her out for after-work drinks and once asked her to face in a different direction because men were staring at her.

Ms Fernee now lives off her parents Catherine, 65, and Alan, 70, who fund the £4,500 she spends every month on rent, clothes and going out.

‘I know people will judge me for choosing not to work but they are underestimating just what a curse good looks can be in the workplace,’ she added.

‘Everyone thinks it must be great to be attractive but there are serious downsides.

‘I’m sure other women have experienced the same problems but haven’t spoken out for fear of being labelled big-headed.’