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She’s bright, friendly and well-qualified. But Laura Fernee has quit her job... saying she’s too pretty to work.

The university graduate reckons her slim figure, attractive face and glossy hair made her a target for sleazy advances from male colleagues and ­bitchiness from jealous females.

Laura, 33, who studied science and medical research, says: “I’m not lazy and I’m no bimbo.

"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.

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

“Workplace bullying and harassment, all because of my appearance, left me with no choice but to quit my last job in medical research in 2011.

“I spent many years at university in London and Bristol studying for a degree, a post-graduate degree and a doctorate, so only began working in 2008, doing medical research.

“But male colleagues were only interested in me for how I looked.

"I wanted them to recognise my achievements and my professionalism but all they saw was my face and body.

“I was constantly asked out on dates, or found romantic gifts and notes at my desk. I found it sleazy and uncomfortable.

"Even when I was in a laboratory in scrubs with no make-up they still came on to me because of my natural attractiveness.

"There was nothing I could do to stop it.”

Laura says her treatment by women was even more demoralising.

She says: “They assumed because I was pretty, I was stupid, so didn’t take me seriously at first and because of their own insecurities were jealous of my looks.

"Then when they realised I was actually very good at my job, possibly better than them, they hated me even more.

“I was rarely invited to lunch with them or for after-work drinks.

"Once when I was, they told me to sit facing a different direction because men were staring at me, not them.”

After discussing how she felt with her ­wealthy retired ­parents Catherine, 65, and Alan, 70, Laura quit and, apart from occasional modelling, has not worked since.

Her mum and dad, who inherited ­money from Laura’s grandfather, pay £2,000 rent and bills for her flat in ­Notting Hill, London, and pick up her credit card bills.

During the day she works out at her £80-a-month gym to maintain her size six figure and spends £1,500 a month on ­designer clothes, shoes and handbags, plus £700 a month on blow dries.

In the evenings she eats out with friends or her boyfriend, spending £1,000 a month on socialising.

Laura, who earned around £30,000 when she worked, also loves to travel, saying: “I’ve visited Tokyo, New York, Paris and Germany in the past 12 months. I’ve spent more than £6,000.”

She adds: “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.

“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.”

Last year writer Samantha Brick faced a huge backlash after writing an article under the headline “Why Women Hate Me For Being Beautiful”.