All bollocks mate. I've got friends that trained with me on an integrated course in Jerez who have 3rd series IR's (I got 1st and still no job!) and are flying now with the likes of RYR & TCX. Hardly any airlines will even ask you this on an application or interview. If you've got a licence, you can do the job. Don't let it put you down. It's not the end of the world at all