A discrimination row has broken out in the UK, after the BBC advertised a new trainee position job, but no white people could go for it. 

The Daily Mail UK reports the news role is a one-year trainee production management assistant, only open to 'Black, Asian and ethnically diverse candidates.'

The BBC would not disclose how many training roles were similarly advertised to non-white people, but a spokesman told The Daily Mail "The BBC is a welcoming, inclusive organisation committed to representing and reflecting our audiences. 

"We support a scheme organised by Creative Access, an independent organisation dedicated to increasing diversity in the creative industries, which provides development roles, fully in line with the Equality Act.'

Positive discrimination is unlawful under the UK Equality Act 2010, but 'positive action' is allowed for trainee and internship-like roles in areas where there is under-representation.

The BBC has previously released its Diversity And Inclusion Plan, which The Daily Mail understands aims to have a workforce made up of 50 per cent women, 20 per cent Black and ethnic minority, and 12 per cent  disabled. 

When the plan was released, BBC Director General Tim Davie said "We must, from top to bottom, represent the audiences we serve."

"We have made some big improvements, but we want and need to go further. This plan will ensure we are a modern, progressive, welcoming organisation."

The Daily Mail spoke to the UK TaxPayers' Alliance spokesperson Joe Ventre who said "'BBC bosses shouldn't be supporting race-based recruiting with taxpayers' money. Taking an approach like this further undermines confidence in the Corporation and their use of licence fee payers' cash."