A 21-year-old aspiring sanitation worker is at the center of a growing backlash after being rejected for the same job three times, despite already doing the work for free.
Bryan Rowe, who has ADHD and myotonic dystrophy, spent nine months working unpaid as a lorry loader through a supported internship with Southampton City Council.
By all accounts, Rowe showed up, worked hard, and stayed committed.
But when it came time to turn that experience into a paid role, things didn’t go as expected.
After finishing his internship in June 2025, Rowe applied for a permanent position as a binman. He was rejected. Then rejected again.
Following criticism, the council later contacted him, saying there had been an error in the hiring process, and invited him back for an interview.
It looked like a second chance.
Instead, he was turned down a third time.
The decision has left Rowe feeling discouraged, telling his family he feels like “no one wants” him despite his efforts. His mother described the situation as “cruel and unfair,” especially given his dedication during the unpaid placement.
Rowe had reportedly dreamed of doing this job since he was a child and was encouraged to apply after completing his internship. His family says he was always on time, enthusiastic, and never raised concerns during his placement.
The council has declined to comment on his individual case, stating only that all applications followed standard recruitment procedures and that there was a high volume of candidates.
The situation is now raising broader questions about unpaid internships, accessibility in hiring, and whether real-world experience is being properly recognized, especially for applicants with disabilities.
For Rowe, the impact is personal.
After months of work without pay, and multiple rejections from the same employer, he is now reconsidering whether to keep applying at all.