A “KIND-HEARTED” young woman is in an induced coma after taking an overdose because she was allegedly bullied while working at a KFC restaurant.

Emma Price’s family claim the 32-year-old overdosed on painkiller medication having twice complained to managers at the Pitsea branch that she was being treated unfairly.

KFC stated the allegations are being taken “extremely seriously” and an “urgent investigation” is underway.

Emma Price with her father David PriceEmma Price with her father David Price (Image: David Price / SWNS)

Her family, from Basildon, face the heart-breaking decision to turn her life support machine off if her condition does not improve in the next two days. If she survives the team leader could be left with severe brain-damage.

Ms Price had told her family she was overworked while colleagues did nothing and that she caught them talking about her behind her back. She said she was accused of “causing trouble” and would regularly come home crying from the stress of being over-worked.

Emma is described as a bubbly and kind-hearted girlEmma is described as a bubbly and kind-hearted young woman (Image: David Price / SWNS)

Mum Samantha Day, 56, said: “I don’t care how she comes back to us, whether she needs full-time care or is paralysed, I just want my daughter back. Why did they not just listen to her? She was ignored and told she was causing a problem.

“She was trying to tell them that there was something wrong. She couldn’t cope with it anymore. I’m angry, I want to rant and rave at them but I can’t. It’s not fair. She doesn’t deserve this at all. I don’t know what switched in her head. I don’t know what happened that morning.”

Emma, described by her parents as a “bubbly, kind-hearted person”, had been working at KFC for eight years when she was subject to the alleged bullying which began in the latter half of 2023.

Her mum Ms Day explained: “It was just after Christmas, she told her bosses she was being bullied. They said: ‘No you’re not, you’re just causing trouble’.”

Emma’s parents noticed a significant change, noting she often stayed in her room, slept through the day before shifts and “her mind was elsewhere.” They claim Emma complained to her manager at least twice but say nothing was done.

A KFC spokesman said: “Our thoughts are with Emma and her family at this difficult time. Maintaining a working environment that is safe and inclusive for all team members is essential for us a business.”