Youth unemployment in Bradford is leaving hundreds of young people locked out of the labour market, with limited opportunities, high competition, and growing reliance on benefits. For 19-year-old Fatima Rashid, the reality of looking for work has become a relentless routine, tracked line by line in a spreadsheet that records three years of failed job applications.
Since leaving school at 16, Fatima has applied for 205 roles. She remains unemployed.
“It’s a nightmare,” she says. “There aren’t many opportunities, and the ones that are there want experience. If you don’t have that, you don’t make the cut.”
Her experience reflects broader challenges facing Bradford, one of England’s most deprived cities, where unemployment rates exceed both regional and national averages and young people are struggling to secure a foothold in the workforce.
Joblessness Among Young People Above National Average
Government figures show that unemployment in Bradford is significantly higher than elsewhere in West Yorkshire and across England. The number of 18- to 24-year-olds claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance—capped at £72.90 a week for that age group—is higher than anywhere else in the region.
This matters deeply in a city where more than a third of the population is under 25. With limited job growth and a weak local economy, young people face stiff competition for entry-level roles, apprenticeships, and training placements.
Graduates and Career Changers Also Locked Out
At an apprenticeship fair in Saltaire, Fatima is not alone. Jordan Smith, a 28-year-old computer science graduate, says he has lost count of the number of applications he has submitted.
“It’s quite difficult and quite stressful,” he says. After repeated rejections, he is now considering an apprenticeship despite having a degree.
“I want to support my family. Sometimes I feel like a burden, and that’s hard.”
Others attending the event declined to have their photos taken, reflecting the stigma and emotional toll associated with long-term unemployment.
Returning to Work After Caring Responsibilities
For 36-year-old Amy Allen, an apprenticeship represents a chance to rebuild a career after years spent caring for her family. A mother of two from Greengates, Amy left work 15 years ago to look after her son, who has autism.
“I’ve had to meet his needs before my own,” she says. “Now it’s time for me to get back on the career ladder.”
Amy describes the local job market as “shocking,” saying she has applied for more than 100 roles without securing a single interview.
“Nobody is giving opportunities, and I feel my age counts against me,” she adds.
In-Work Poverty Driving Demand for Better Jobs
Even those already employed are struggling. Nearly one in five people in Bradford claim Universal Credit to help with living costs, underlining the scale of in-work poverty in the city.
Abdul Hammed, 33, works in a warehouse but attended the apprenticeship fair in the hope of improving his prospects.
“I want to upskill myself and get proper training,” he says. “That’s how I get a better-paid job and move on.”
Weak Local Economy Compared With Nearby Cities
According to analysis by Centre for Cities, Bradford’s jobs market has barely grown. Between 2013 and 2023, the number of jobs in the city increased by just 2.3%.
By contrast, jobs growth in nearby Leeds was ten times faster over the same period.
A spokesperson for the think tank said the figures reflected the weakness of Bradford’s local economy and a lack of demand for labour.
Council Response and Apprenticeship Push
Councillor Imran Khan, Bradford Council’s portfolio holder for economy, employment and skills, said the local authority was working to expand access to apprenticeships and connect residents with employers.
“Apprenticeships open doors to high-quality careers,” he said, adding that the council would continue to work with employers and education providers to ensure people had access to guidance and up-to-date information.
Determination Amid Rejection
Out of her 205 applications, Fatima Rashid has secured just 12 interviews—roughly one for every 20 attempts.
“It’s mentally frustrating,” she says. “I’m strong-willed, but some people tell me they would have given up ages ago.
“If you don’t have determination, you’re not going to get anywhere.”
Her story captures the reality facing many young people in Bradford: persistent effort, limited opportunities, and a labour market that remains out of reach for too many.