A WOMAN with learning disabilities, dismissed after five years of working only for £5 store vouchers, was offered her job back after questions were asked in Parliament.

Karen Godfrey, 44, of Hillcrest Road in Monmouth, was employed by WH Smith in Monnow Street in October 1996 through an agreement with Pathways, a Mencap administered scheme to support people with learning disabilities into employment.

Karen, whose duties included stacking shelves and cleaning, was paid £15 per week. In April 1997, Karen was told her hours were to be cut. After her mother Betty intervened, the store reconsidered and agreed to let Karen keep her job.

Since then she has received a £5 WH Smith voucher per week as renumeration. On December 19 last year, Karen's mother was informed by new store manager Mike Cassar she could no longer stay on at WH Smith for insurance reasons.

She contacted Monmouth MP Huw Edwards who wrote to the Disability Rights Commissioner for Wales demanding an investigation.

Mr Edwards also tabled an Early Day Motion at Westminster on Wednesday, stating his disgust at Miss Godfrey's dismissal and the fact that she was paid in WH Smith vouchers for more than five year's labour.

Mr Edwards said: "Mr Cassar had told me on the telephone that Karen was being sacked, though she had 'done nothing wrong' which smacked of discrimination.

"Such a system of payment is reminiscent of the company shop system outlawed in the Truck Act of 1831. The Disability Rights Commissioner has instigated an investigation." Karen told the Argus: "I was disgusted and upset to hear I'd been sacked. I loved the job because I like the staff and the customers all know me."

In a meeting with the family yesterday, the company offered her job back with full pay and benefits and a contract of employment.

Karen's mother said: "Whether Karen accepts the offer is up to her, the hurt still feels raw though. We are helping her think it through."

A spokesman for WH Smith said: "When the store manager discovered a potential issue with the employer's liability insurance he explained to Karen that he could no longer accommodate her work placement in the store.

"We have now offered Karen a permanent position in the store working four hours per week with full pay and benefits which we hope Karen will accept."