A 21-year-old man expressed disappointment after being turned down three times for a binman position at Southampton City Council, despite completing a nine-month unpaid internship. Bryan Rowe, who has ADHD and myotonic dystrophy, worked without pay at the council from November 2024 to June 2025. Despite being encouraged to apply for job openings after his internship, he faced rejection multiple times.
The council initially claimed his rejection was a mistake but later declined his application after an interview. Rowe’s mother, Claire, criticized the council for what she deemed a harsh decision, suggesting they should have simply rejected her son outright if they did not see him fit for the job.
Regarding the situation, Claire expressed her frustration, saying it was tough to witness her son being repeatedly denied opportunities for employment as a disabled individual seeking to gain confidence and financial independence. She highlighted the emotional toll on her son and lamented the lack of consideration shown by the council.
In response to the criticism, a spokesperson for Southampton City Council stated that they received numerous applications for the role and maintained that their recruitment processes were followed diligently. They wished all unsuccessful candidates well in their future pursuits.
Rowe, reflecting on the rejections, shared his disappointment with his mother, feeling inadequate despite his dedication during the internship. Claire emphasized the challenges of gaining experience without opportunities for paid work and lodged a formal complaint with the council, prompting a review of their recruitment procedures.
