The system is unfair, the system is flawed. I've been working as a web and software developer in one of the leading companies outside London for over 6 years. I don't even get shortlisted for an interview with a development job at the council that I could do with my eyes closed, because I don't have a degree! If they read the experience section of my CV before the qualifications section, they'd see I'd wipe the floor with any of their degree monkeys.

But that isn't how the system works.

Julie Budd:

More fool they.
Go it alone. Get your own clients, let your existing ones spread the word for you.You know you can do it. 

Cathii Scott:

The thing I have discovered is that the people doing the hiring aren't the people that know anything about the job. Drop the education section from your resume entirely if you think that it is this that is holding you back and focus on the experience.

Great advice from a person who has now applied for 60 jobs in 3 months and not even got an interview....

Cathii 

Debbie Huggins:

The system is flawed all over. I suggest taking some of Julie's and Cathii's advice and think of a more inventive way to get noticed by the hiring mgr. 

Fairly-Odd:

Fear not... Someone with smarts will give you a chance and not judge you purely on your degree (or lack thereof). I am a walking, talking example of that. It can get frustrating though... 

Alli' Cat':

Wait 'till you've been doing it for 20 years, and don't get the interview because you're too old.
Hell, even now you've probably forgotten more than these "don't know a nibble from a byte" upstarts know!
Gotta say though: If you've "been working as a web and software developer in one of the leading companies outside London for over 6 years", why the fark would you WANT a job with a council? They generally pay peanuts and, therefore, are staffed almost entirely by monkeys. (Apologies to all non simian council employees.)