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Nineteen-year-old Fatima Rashid has been meticulously tracking her job applications for the last three years, maintaining a spreadsheet which currently lists 205 applications without success. Since leaving school at 16, she has struggled to secure employment in Bradford, one of England’s most economically challenged cities. Fatima describes the process as a “nightmare,” noting that available roles often require prior experience—a barrier for many young applicants like herself. “If you don’t have that experience, unfortunately you just don’t make the cut,” she explains.
Unemployment figures in Bradford remain higher than both regional and national averages, with notable challenges faced by young adults aged 18 to 24. The number claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance, capped at £72.90 weekly for this age group, is significantly higher here than elsewhere in the region. With over a third of the city’s population under 25, the competition for jobs is intense. At a recent apprenticeship fair in Saltaire, various job-seekers gathered, including Jordan Smith, 28, a computer science graduate who admits losing count of how many roles he has applied for. The persistent lack of success has led Jordan to consider an apprenticeship as a pathway to supporting his family. “I do feel like a burden to them sometimes, it can be quite difficult feeling that way,” he shared.
Amy Allen, a 36-year-old mother of two from Greengates, represents an older demographic of job-seekers. After dedicating 15 years to caring for her son with autism and his younger sister, Amy is eager to return to the workforce. However, despite submitting over 100 job applications, she has not even received interview invitations. Describing the job market as “shocking,” she expresses frustration over the lack of opportunity and worries that her age and family responsibilities put her at a disadvantage compared to younger applicants. “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,” she explains. Amy calls for increased support in Bradford, emphasizing the discouragement that comes with repeated rejections.
Others at the apprenticeship fair include individuals like Abdul Hammed, who currently works in a warehouse but aims to advance his career through proper training and increased skills. For Abdul, an apprenticeship represents a chance to earn more and improve his prospects. Similarly, 19-year-old Charlie Driver is searching for a career rather than a job after his plans to join the Navy were halted by injury. While he currently works in retail, he is interested in engineering apprenticeships but finds such opportunities scarce. Economic data from the Centre for Cities highlights that job growth in Bradford has been sluggish, rising by only 2.3% between 2013 and 2023, contrasting with faster growth in neighboring Leeds. Bradford Council has responded by hosting apprenticeship fairs to connect people with potential employers. Councillor Imran Khan stressed the importance of these programs for opening doors to high-quality careers and pledged ongoing efforts to provide guidance and up-to-date information for job seekers.
Fatima’s experience with repeated rejections is echoed by many in the area. Having secured just 12 interviews from over 200 applications, she describes the emotional toll of the job hunt: “It’s mentally frustrating,” she admits. Despite the challenges, she emphasizes the critical role of determination. “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.
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