Disabled man rejected from ‘dream job’ as a binman – despite working 9 months for free

A disabled young man has been left devastated after being rejected twice for his “dream job” as a binman, despite completing a nine-month unpaid placement with his local council. Bryan Rowe, 21, had hoped his dedication and experience would secure him a permanent role in waste management.

Instead, he says the rejections have left him feeling “not good enough” to achieve his ambition. Mr Rowe, who lives in Sholing, Southampton, has myotonic dystrophy and ADHD. Myotonic dystrophy is a form of muscular dystrophy that causes progressive muscle weakness and affects multiple organs in the body. Despite these challenges, he successfully worked as a waste management loader for nine months as part of a supported internship.

During that time, he impressed staff with his enthusiasm and reliability, according to his family. When paid positions later became available, he was encouraged to apply. However, after attending two interviews, he was unsuccessful on both occasions.

Speaking about the experience, Mr Rowe said: “I felt very disappointed not to get the job after two interviews with the council I worked for. I told mum that I am not good enough to get anything, not even a binman job.

“One of the senior team always asked if I was enjoying being there. I would always say yes. I don’t know what to do as this is all I want to do, but I don’t want to sit around and do nothing.”

His mother, Claire Rowe, said her son has dreamed of becoming a binman since he was just two years old and had shown unwavering commitment during his placement.

“He had been there for nearly nine months, and the council didn’t have a problem with him,” she said. “Then all of a sudden he’s not good enough and can’t do the role.

“He worked for free for nine months. He was always enthusiastic and on time. How are people meant to get enough experience?”

She added that her son was “completely broken-hearted” but still completed his placement with determination.

“If that’s not a kick in the teeth, I don’t know what is,” she said. “He is very downhearted. He says he doesn’t want to bother applying anymore because nobody wants him.”

Since finishing the internship in June 2025, Mr Rowe has continued searching for similar roles with other local authorities and private waste companies, but has so far been unsuccessful.

His mother also expressed concern about the progressive nature of his condition. “While Bryan can do it, we want him to do it, because there might be a time where his myotonic dystrophy will stop him,” she said.

Claire Rowe submitted a formal complaint to the council and was informed that its recruitment processes are currently under review.

In a statement, a council spokesperson said: “Southampton City Council is committed to fair, inclusive and transparent recruitment processes.

“We are unable to comment on individual applications or personal circumstances, but recruitment decisions are made through formal interview processes which are reviewed to ensure they are fair and equitable, with appropriate involvement from HR.

“The council continues to keep its recruitment practices under review to ensure they are as inclusive and accessible as possible.”

For Mr Rowe, however, the outcome has left him questioning his future as he continues to search for an opportunity to turn his lifelong dream into reality.