I’m in a difficult position. I was made redundant from a kids’ play area which has been closed due to cuts, but I think I’ve found my dream job.

I’m an ex-footballer who can run disabled kids’ play areas. The thing is that they need someone qualified in children’s and youth play (box ticked) and experienced at managing and organising play areas (box ticked) and sufficiently qualified in child and youth work to travel to various parts of London to train new staff (box ticked). This would be just my job. I have all the bits of paper and the testimonials. I have NVQs like you wouldn’t believe, I’ve qualified in basics and advanced, and am now qualified to give training to others. I’m the perfect candidate – apart from one thing.

They say, in their ad, that it’s essential to have a current driving licence, because this job will cover a large area, and therefore the candidate must have a car and driving licence. In London? Really? There are Tubes and buses and cabs. It’s not a problem to get from A to B.

I had to retire from football after a head injury which did little damage, but left me with epilepsy. This is more or less controlled by medication. My problems, if I have any, tend to be at night when I may sometimes lose track. But at 35, I decided to abandon driving, just in case, and have a disabled pass on public transport.

How can I get round this issue in my application for the job? The charity organising this says that they are fully disability aware etc. If I say I don’t have a driving licence (I gave it up) they may think I’ve got points on my licence or I’m banned.

Barbara says: They’re not allowed to put this requirement in a job description unless it’s a driving job. It’s a breach of disability law to demand that someone has a diving licence, if the reason you haven’t got one is through disability. And ouch, I feel for you.

Do you tell them that you’re not banned but you have a disability which stands in the way of your driving? That’s the line I’d go for. As a disability charity, they really should know this. Go for it. Stand up for yourself if you have to. They’re wrong. You’re all right.