A PROFOUNDLY deaf young woman from Hayes is thrilled to have finally found a job she enjoys after being turned down by more than 70 employers.

Suki Kaur, who lives in Hayes with her mother and brother, signed on with high hopes at Jobcentre Plus in Uxbridge, after improving her computer skills at Uxbridge College.

She was helped by disability employment advisor Laila Asoka to go for scores of jobs, but became very despondent when she didn't get any of them.

Her plight was spotted by Jobcentre Plus customer service manager, Wendy Rice-Morley, a governor at Harefield Academy, who decided to see if the school could help her out.

Suki, who went to school in St Albans where she mixed with mainstream pupils, said she was unhappy, unfulfilled, and isolated, because of her disability.

Speaking through a translator she said: "I didn't like school. Some people were rude and did not have good hearts. There were boys who took the mickey and I felt left out. I cried and felt very sad."

After school the 30-year-old studied at Langley College, where many people used sign language and she was able to make friends. However, when her work search started she was again disappointed and a brief job at Harrods did not stretch the intelligent young woman.

A work trial at Harefield Academy has resulted in Suki, who enjoys attending church at St Andrew's and St Margaret's in Uxbridge, becoming a full member of staff - and she couldn't be happier.

Ably helped by reprographics officer, Grace Blacklock, who makes sure she can communicate with her deaf colleague by signing a little and writing down a lot, Suki has proved herself an asset to the department.

Suki said: "The people are lovely here and I have made friends and become much more confident."

Tracy Anderson, who works in human resources at the academy, said: "We all love her and she has such a positive attitude. Everyone is considerate to her to make sure she isn't excluded and consequently it has made us all work better as a team."

Allison Falco, district marketing manager for West London Jobcentre Plus, said: "Suki had been out of work for some time and her perseverance was very impressive. It is a good lesson for everyone to never give up hope."