A WOMAN who suffers from extreme allergic reactions says she can't find a job because employers will not provide a safe environment for her to work in.

Denise Dolan is ultra-sensitive to chemicals found in perfumes, deodorants, cleaning agents, and even flowers.

At best, she gets an uncomfortable rash, at worst, she can be left bedridden for several days.

Miss Dolan, from Melksham, has been a lifelong sufferer.

She said: "In Britain, 40 per cent of the population have some form of allergy. Some are affected by the food they eat and some by their environment.

"I want employers to provide a safe environment, but they won't. They accommodate people with other disabilities but not mine. I'm being discriminated against and treated like a leper."

Miss Dolan was a sports teacher at Broughton Gifford primary school from 1975 to 1985.

She has since worked for West Wiltshire District Council, Chippenham Magistrates Court, a dry cleaners and a bakery, but claims allergic reactions forced her to quit each time. As well as struggling in the workplace, she has to take precautions when outside or in shops.

She said: "After walking through Trowbridge on Saturday I felt so ill, I had to go straight to bed."

Miss Dolan has received a report from the World Health Organisation (WHO), which confirms some of her fears. It states that a chemical called limonene is contained in cleaning products and perfumes, and occurs naturally in certain trees and bushes.

She said: "The WHO reported that something does affect people in the workplace, but there is still room for research. A lot of the harmful chemicals are hidden under E numbers."

Muriel Simmons, chief executive of the British Allergy Foundation, said: "A lot of people in the medical profession used to raise their eyebrows at the condition, but they now realise it is a very real problem," she explained.

Melksham JobCentre manager Judy Emms said: "People with health problems are referred to specialised advisers, who will do as much as they can to help somebody find work."