It must be something about that part of the country regarding Portsmouth.
A long time ago, I worked for a National company, and my wife was about to give birth.
This was during the time that not everyone other than the hi tech folks had mobile phones.
I made the company a lot of money, and there were few who could maintain my particular role in the company in order to cover me.
My wifes waters broke, and she was taken to Whiston hospital to induce the birth.
This was about 2am, so I phoned my immidiate (temporary ) boss to let him know I wouldn't be in work the following day, as I was in hospital with my wife, and that he would have to cover my appointments.
I was told in no uncertain terms that under no condition could I stay for the birth of my child that night, as there was noone to cover me, and if I did, I would face losing my job.
My wife refused to stay in hospital on her own, and so we had no option to come home, or face having a new born baby in poverty.
The company told me they would give me a mobile phone, and as soon as my wife rung me, I could drop what I was doing, and shoot up straight to the hospital.
I had not had a mobile phone before, but to cut a long story short, the guy had removed the sim card.
All day, I was on my witts end whilst dealing with accounts worth large sums of money waiting for the call that never came.
I eventually realised what they had done, and used a customers phone to catch up with my wife, who told me that she couldn't wait any longer, so to meet her back at the hospital.
I got to the hospital in time, and after a difficult birth, we had a daughter.
I vowed that if the chance ever came, I would put the guy in hospital, and that vow still stands.
He left back to Portsmouth before I returned and never to be seen again, and the whole thing was brushed under the carpet.
I gladly told my customers what happened, before eventually telling them what they could do with their job after a long period off work after hurting my back.
This company have won numerous awards, and have an investment in people logo outside every office.
