Disabled man Bryan Rowe rejected for ‘dream job’ as Southampton binman for third time after months of unpaid work
A disabled man completing a nine-month unpaid internship at Southampton City Council has been rejected for the third time because of his “dream job” as a sweeper.
Bryan Rowe, who lives with ADHD and myotonic dystrophy, which causes progressive muscle degeneration, was invited back for an interview after previous rejections sparked a public outcry.
The 21-year-old was left devastated after the council rejected his application yet again, leaving him feeling “not good enough”.
Mr Rowe’s passion for being a sweeper dates back to his childhood.
Spent nine months as a municipal truck loader between November 2024 and June 2025 as part of a supported internship; Meanwhile, his mother Claire Rowe said he was “always enthusiastic and on time” and the council had “no problem with him”.
Once she completed her placement, she was encouraged to apply for permanent roles.
But her initial applications were unsuccessful and she was left “heartbroken” by being rejected twice.
The council faced serious backlash over decisions widely described as “cruel and unjust”.
In response, Southampton City Council invited Mr Rowe to a third interview, claiming an “error” had led to some candidates receiving incorrect information about their applications.
Despite this second chance, Mr Rowe’s hopes were once again “dashed”. Following the interview, she faced a third rejection, which her mother described as “a cruel and unfair kick in the teeth”.
Repeated setbacks left Mr Rowe “devastated” and caused him to question his own worth.
“I don’t think I’m good enough, no one wants me,” he said.
Ms Rowe said: “This is very, very disappointing. Devastated, absolutely awful. I can’t believe this is happening again.”
If the council truly believed his son was not capable, he argued after initial rejections, they should “let it go”.
“You’d better say no and let us finish this, now they’ve kicked him in the teeth again,” he said.
“I think it’s cruel and unfair. As a disabled person, he wants to go out there and work and be self-reliant and earn some money.”
A Southampton City Council spokesman acknowledged there were a number of applications for the position but declined to comment on individual candidates.
They said: “All applications and interviews followed the council’s recruitment process. We wish all unsuccessful candidates success in their future endeavors.”
Ms Rowe said she had made a formal complaint to the council and had been informed that recruitment services were under investigation.
He said Bryan had been actively seeking bin worker positions with other local authorities and private waste businesses since leaving university last summer, without success.
