Lisa Giddon wrote: “How horrible. What about genuine people on benefits because they want a job?”

Alan James said: “I have just had to claim JSA after 11 years’ continuous employment. It is quite degrading being scrutinised on your efforts to find work. His post was derogatory towards benefit claimants, insulting and infuriating.”

Mr Oram refused to comply with a suggestion that he should reword his advert.

He wrote: “It is not getting reworded. I already have my books full of benefit claimants and don’t need any more.”

This brought a response from Nicola Smith, a resident, who said: “Let’s hope you don’t end up on benefits in the future for whatever reason and unable to find work. What a horrid thing to do.”

Wyevale Garden Centres, which runs the business in Hastings, has apologised for the posting, which has now been removed.

Jason Danciger, its food and beverage director, said in a statement: “The views of the individual in no way represent the views of Wyevale Garden Centres and we are sincerely sorry for any offence these comments may have caused.

“Our recruitment and selection policy states: ‘All candidates who apply for jobs will receive fair treatment and will be considered solely on their ability to do the job’.”