Britain’s big cities may be the driving force behind Britain’s economy however, new evidence makes clear their streets are certainly not paved with gold.

For some of the biggest, such as Birmingham and many parts of London, which have the most expensive property, rents and cost of living in the country, also have the highest unemployment.

New research from Tax Bite found Birmingham had the highest proportion of people claiming unemployment benefits at 8.9 percent ahead of Wolverhampton on 7.3 percent.

However, many parts of London also feature in the top ten with Newham on 7.2 percent, Barking and Dagenham at 7.1 percent, and Brent at 6.9 percent.

By contrast, the region in England with the lowest level of unemployment is the South West at just 2.7 percent.

The unemployment levels were calculated using the number of people claiming out-of-work Universal Credit benefits plus the number of people claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance.

The research found that Newham and Pendle have seen the biggest increase in unemployment in the past year – both up 1.1 percent.

By contrast, the City of London and Blackpool have seen the biggest decrease in at 0.6 percent.

The study also looked at the gender unemployment gap and discovered that the biggest divide is in Liverpool where 26 percent more men are affected by unemployment compared to women.

Kasra Dash, the founder of Tax Bite, said: “If you’re facing challenges in securing employment, it’s essential to adopt a proactive approach to enhance your job search and increase your chances of success.”

Here are her top tips to find employment:

Expand Your Skill Set

Consider acquiring new skills or enhancing existing ones through online courses, workshops, or vocational training programs. This can make you more competitive in the job market and open up new opportunities.

Networking

Utilise your professional network by reaching out to former colleagues, classmates, mentors, and industry contacts. Attend networking events, and career fairs, and join online professional communities to expand your connections.

Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter

Customize your resume and cover letter for each job application to highlight your relevant skills, experiences, and achievements. Use keywords from the job description to make your application stand out to potential employers.

Utilise Online Job Portals and Recruitment Websites

Explore job search engines, company websites, and professional networking platforms like LinkedIn to search for job openings. Set up job alerts to receive notifications for relevant opportunities.

Consider Temporary or Freelance Work

Temporary assignments, contract roles, or freelance opportunities can provide valuable experience, expand your professional network, and lead to full-time employment opportunities.

Seek Professional Help

Consider seeking assistance from career counsellors, employment agencies, or resume writing services. They can offer personalised advice, interview preparation, and guidance on navigating the job market.

Volunteer or Intern

Volunteering or interning in your desired field can provide hands-on experience, valuable connections, and potential job leads. It also demonstrates your commitment and passion to prospective employers.

Stay Positive and Persistent

Job searching can be challenging and requires patience and resilience. Stay positive, maintain a routine, and stay organized with your job search efforts. Set realistic goals and celebrate small victories along the way.