“ONE minute she has got a job then she hasn’t got a job. It’s just been a total mess.”

The words of mum-of-three Erica Lindon as she described her daughter Helisha’s fruitless battle to get her first paid job.

The 21-year-old who has Down’s syndrome has been trying to get employment for more than two years, but has been forced to settle for voluntary work, says Erica of Wheelers Lane, Bearwood.

When Helisha was finally offered the chance of a paid job with Matalan there followed a string of mix-ups, said Erica.

Helisha turned up for a pre-arranged interview for the job of changing room assistant at the store in Poole, only to discover that the manager had gone on holiday.

She was later offered a two-week unpaid trial after which her bosses praised her for her work, but she was then told there was no job because Matalan was laying off staff.

Helisha was mistakenly put on the Matalan payroll, which her parents feared would affect her benefits.

Erica said: “Helisha is too good to spend her days in a day centre. She does her own bedroom, can cook, hold a conversation and take phone calls.”

“The government need to do something. They want these special needs people out in society. They’ve got to sort all the hassles out.”

A DWP spokesperson said that Jobcentre Plus-arranged work trials were a way of avoiding such situations arising.

“Jobcentre Plus only arranges work trials with employers who are properly vetted – this way we can ensure there is a legitimate job vacancy available at the end of the trial.

Work Trials are a successful way of introducing customers back into the world of work with no risk to their benefits," she said.

A Matalan spokesperson said they do not tolerate discrimination adding: “We are confident she has been treated fairly and equally.

“We are currently looking into Miss Lindon’s situation. If there are any issues that arise they will be dealt with accordingly.”