A BLIND jobseeker was told not to apply for an unpaid work placement as he is overqualified.

Daniel Walker, saw an advertisement for a digital media administrator work experience role at Brighton Royal Pavilion and Museums with the possibility of an apprenticeship at the end of it.

When an advisor at Job Centre Plus told him the placement was only open to people who were claiming jobseeker’s allowance he rang Brighton City Council, which had advertised the job, to enquire about it himself.

This time the 31-year-old was told not to apply because he has a degree in stage management.

Mr Walker, of Meadow Close, Portslade, has been blind since birth and is on health-related income support.

He said: “It's not about money, it's about self-respect.

“Apprenticeships are for younger people without qualifications. I get that. There should be an element of first refusal, but not absolute refusal for everyone else.”

A council spokeswoman said: “Government funding does not support university graduates to train as apprentices.”

Mr Walker, who is looking for a career in theatre, music or events management, worked as a performing arts technician from 2007 to 2009.

He has Senior-Loken syndrome, a rare disorder which has resulted in two kidney transplants in the last 12 years, the most recent of which was in May 2011. By 2012 he was fit to work again and he has been looking for a job since then.

The council spokeswoman added: “We have a commitment to supporting people who are disadvantaged in training and job opportunities.

“Our collaboration with Job Centre Plus enables specialist support for disadvantaged customers, including ex-offenders and individuals with a disability or long term health condition.”