Sponsored by
Air cadet quits over Poppy parade ban
An air cadet has quit her job in disgust after being told she couldn't start work 30 minutes late to attend a Remembrance Sunday parade.
Vicki Maher, 18, asked bosses at Boots in Preston for half an hour off to attend the parade with the Air Training Corps.
But the student's request was turned down as she had used up all her holidays and the store, in Fishergate, was too busy.
Vicki, from Hesketh Bank, near Preston, said: "I had to leave. I couldn't have gone back because of how they treated me. It would have been too awkward."
The ATC sergeant, a member of the City of Preston Sqaudron, wanted to attend the parade after missing last year's event because of work.
The former Tarleton High School pupil has been a cadet for five years and plans to join the RAF once she has completed her studies.
She added: "I asked for half an hour off and texted my boss and asked her for half an hour off.
"She said she would get back to me. Then a week later she said she couldn't give it to me. My mum rang Boots and asked my boss but she was told they wouldn't discuss it with her."
Her mum Carole, of Ashbrook Close, Hesketh Bank added: "I'm appalled. We should be applauding these kids."
Vicki felt it was important to attend the ceremony on the Flag Market on November 8. She said: "It's good to go out and march with the sqaudron.
"I'm very proud to be a cadet. That's why I wanted to go."
Carole has written to Boots' head office.
A Boots spokeswoman said: "Whilst we cannot comment on individual employee cases, we always aim to fully support our people's personal requests wherever possible."
Vicki has found a new job, working as a lifeguard in Penrith where she studies.
>> Vote in our latest web poll
lepone: Every section and special feature can be found on a single page
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Preston
Wednesday 08 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -4 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 2 C to 4 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: South
