Young people and older returnees in Bradford say they are finding paid work difficult to secure despite persistent searching. UK Government data shows unemployment in the city sits above both the regional and national averages, and the number of 18 to 24-year-olds claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance — capped at £72.90 a week for their age group — is higher than elsewhere in the region.

Fatima Rashid, 19, left school at 16 and has recorded every role she has applied for over the last three years in a spreadsheet.

Her counter has reached 205 applications, yet she remains without a job. “It’s a nightmare,” she sighs. “There’s not many opportunities at the moment and the opportunities that are available are for people with experience. If you don’t have that experience, unfortunately you just don’t make the cut.”

Computer science graduate Jordan Smith, 28, said he has lost track of how many positions he has applied for. “I’ve lost count. It’s quite difficult and quite stressful.” After repeated refusals he is now considering an apprenticeship. “I want to support my family,” he added. “I do feel like a burden to them sometimes, it can be quite difficult feeling that way.”

Amy Allen, 36, who spent 15 years caring for her son (who has autism) and a younger daughter, has been applying widely to get back into paid work. “I have been looking after my son for the last 15 years and it’s time for me to get back on the career ladder,” she said.

She is seeking roles that allow training and income simultaneously: “I can earn while I learn and meet my family needs.” Despite that, Amy described the local market as “shocking” and said: “I have applied for over 100 jobs and I have got nothing, not even an interview. I’m at my wits’ end. Where do I go, what do I do? I want to get back out there, but nobody is giving the opportunities and I feel my age affects that as well.”

She also reflected on the practical constraints of family life: “I’m 36 years old and I just feel like where there’s all these young people full of energy, no family commitments, and they are more able than I am because I have got that family tie-down. We really need some help in Bradford finding work because there is none. When we keep getting a ‘no’ it’s kind of dispiriting, we have got to keep pushing.”

At the event, people of different ages spoke about seeking apprenticeships and training to access better-paid careers.

• Abdul Hammed, 33, who currently works in a warehouse, said: “I’m looking to upskill myself, get a good job, then move on from there.” He believes an apprenticeship would give him “proper training” and that “From there I can get a good job that will pay me more.”
• Charlie Driver, 19, who has A-levels and works in retail, is aiming for engineering apprenticeships. “There’s been a lot of job offers going, but there’s not one for me that I would enjoy. It’s more retail. I’m looking for engineering and apprenticeships, but there aren’t many going.”

Councillor Imran Khan, Bradford Council’s portfolio holder for economy, employment and skills, highlighted local efforts to connect residents with opportunities. He said: “Apprenticeships open doors to high‑quality careers, and we want people of all ages and backgrounds to feel confident exploring them. We will continue working with local employers and education providers to ensure people have the guidance and up‑to‑date information they need to take their next step.”

Analysis by the Centre for Cities found that the number of jobs in Bradford grew by just 2.3% between 2013 and 2023, a rate the think tank said reflects the “weakness” of the local economy and a lack of demand to work in it. Over the same period, jobs in nearby Leeds grew around ten times faster.

Data also indicates many people in Bradford who are in work still rely on benefits to cover living costs, with almost one in five claiming Universal Credit to help make ends meet.

Fatima has had 12 interviews from her 205 applications — roughly one in 20 — and describes the process as draining. “It’s mentally frustrating,” she said. “I would say I’m a strong-willed person, but there are people who I tell and they say ‘I would have locked out ages ago’. Having the determination to keep doing it is a huge need. If you don’t have determination, you are not going to get anywhere.”

For many in Bradford the combination of limited local growth, fierce competition for entry-level roles, and household responsibilities makes finding stable work a prolonged struggle. Training and apprenticeships are being promoted locally as one way to create pathways into better-paid and longer-term careers.