[Margaret Pilkington]

I agree that you should not be pushed aside to fast track someone who fits the tick box criteria of race, gender disability etc.
But in the absence of one of these less qualified presenting themselves for interview(probably because they can get more on benefits....or they would not get out of bed for the low wage) then an employer may choose to take a person who could be seen as over qualified.
It is the employers choice and I do not think that someone should be castigated for taking a lowly job in the absence of something better.
It really depends on how much the employer needs a worker....if the worker is there, ready, willing and able....then why not?
I am not sure that taking on someone who could perhaps do something more challenging, is forcing hardship downwards.
If you do not have a job, then the hardship is yours(regardless of your skills. Skills that are unused/unsuitable do not pay the rent or put food on the table).

Gone are the days of a job for life...unless you are an undertaker that is.