Karen Godfrey, 44, had worked at the store in the town for the last five years in exchange for gift vouchers, but just before Christmas was told by the manager not to return as she was not covered by their insurers.

Huw Edwards highlighted the case at the Commons

However, the company have offered Ms Godfrey - who worked one morning a week - a job with the same role and responsibility with full pay and benefits after pressure from politicians.

Huw Edwards, MP for Monmouth, who has urged the Disability Rights Commission to investigate, highlighted the case at the Commons on Thursday.

Six MPs, including Mr Edwards signed a motion condemning the company.

A meeting between Ms Godfrey and WHSmith took place on Thursday afternoon where a job offer was made to her.

However, Ms Godfrey has turned down their offer because she is upset about the way she has been treated.

Karen loved her job and had done it for the last five years Huw Edwards, MP

Huw Edwards said: "The family are considering the offer from WHSmith but they are clearly upset by what has happened.

"Karen's mother came to see me and when I heard what was going on, it seemed to me that she was being discriminated against because of her disability.

"I have raised the matter with the Disability Rights Commissioner in Wales who has said they will investigate.

"Karen loved her job and had done it for the last five years.

"She was bitterly disappointed when she was told she couldn't go back," he said.

We have offered Karen a permanent position in store working four hours per week with full pay and benefits, which we very much hope she will accept WHSmith spokesperson

A spokesperson for WHSmith said: "Karen has worked in the WHSmith store in Monmouth since October 1996 as part of an arrangement with Pathways - an employment agency administered by Mencap.

"Under this arrangement Pathways and Karen's family agreed a remuneration of a £5 gift voucher for the four hours a week that she spent in store stacking shelves and doing some light cleaning.

"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 store.

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