Bradford jobs to be worst hit by automation

Thursday, 27 September 2018 16:00

A new report claims that Bradford is one of the 10 cities were jobs are most at risk from automation.

The study from The Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) says the same towns in the North and the Midlands that were worst hit by the loss of industry are most at risk of a second surge in unemployment triggered by robots taking over skilled and semi-skilled jobs.

CSJ calls for urgent action with enterprise zones featuring tax breaks and financial support for firms being created in the 10 towns most as risk of accelerating economic decline.

Andy Cook, chief executive of the CSJ, commented: “Parts of the UK are trapped in a cycle of deprivation that is only set to get worse as the jobs market changes.

“Automation will bring huge positives to the UK economy as a whole, including a much-needed boost to productivity, but not everyone will benefit equally.

“To allow the residents of these ‘left behind’ towns to seize the opportunities in the future jobs market, they need a policy blueprint that provides better transport links, better teachers in schools, better housing and dynamic local leadership to raise aspirations and create opportunities.

“In cities such as Manchester, the effect of strong leadership is clear. Manchester’s revival as a hub for marketing, technology, design and other professional services is in large part down to the powerful leadership of the joint leaders of the city council. It now attracts the second largest amount of foreign direct investment for a city in the UK after London. Tees Valley is also a case study of an area being turned around by its newly created Mayor installed in the Combined Authority.

“We need to a raft of new measures to bring around a regional revolution. Power must be put in the hands of accountable local leaders, such as the metro mayors, who know where resources would be best used.

“Turning around the ‘rustbelt’ region is not only important to the country as a whole if we are to compete internationally; it’s vital to improving the lives of those who suffer the injustice of being born where opportunity is lacking.”

More from Local and National News

Appeal After Burglary

Police are appealing for witnesses after a burglary at a property in Bradford.
Have your say and help to build stronger communities in Calderdale

People in Calderdale are being asked to share their thoughts about how they feel connected to their local neighbourhood and the wider Calderdale area
Bradford to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day

Bradford City Hall is to be lit up in red, white, and blue on Thursday 6 June to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
New bridge and new routes now open as project progresses

The new link road on the A629 south of Halifax is now open, as part of work to improve the flow of traffic and make it easier to walk, cycle or take public transport.
City presents Windrush pioneer with prestigious Leeds Award

one of the nation’s last surviving HMT Empire Windrush passengers and the city’s only remaining Caribbean Second World War serviceman received the Leeds Award in a ceremony at the Civic Hall.
More Than 10,000 Arrests Made By Team Dedicated To Reducing Violent Crime

A specialist team working to reduce violent crime has started a New Year by passing a new milestone after making more than 10,000 arrests.
Plate expectations as historic registration could be up for sale

A unique gift exchanged by two former Lord Mayors of Leeds more than 120 years ago could be about to help the city with unprecedented budget challenges.
Calderdale: Celebrating over 350 years of service at Council

Fourteen Calderdale Council employees have been recognised for a combined total of over 350 years of service at an event at Halifax Town Hall on Thursday 26 October.
Activists who caused £100,000 worth of damage sentenced

A group of activists who caused £100,000 worth of damage to a service station on the M25 has been sentenced at Lewes Crown Court on Friday (27 October)
Appeal Following Collision and Death of Man in Otley, Leeds

Police are appealing for witnesses to a collision in Leeds in which a man later died.
Vehicle involved in fly tipping across West and North Yorkshire seized by Bradford Council

A vehicle involved in multiple incidences of fly tipping across West and North Yorkshire has been seized by Bradford Council.
Anti-social behaviour funding boost in Clitheroe, Colne and Darwen

As part of the county-wide crackdown on anti-social behaviour (ASB) Lancashire Constabulary and Police and Crime Commissioner Andrew Snowden have announced a further eight areas set to benefit from additional resources to tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB) in Lancashire.

Listener Club

Get more with the Listener Club!

Alim OnAir

Have you a question about the religious, cultural or tradition aspect of Islam? Then join Hazrat Maulana Fazal Dad in the weekly show every Friday between 8-9pm.
Bhangra Nights

Get over the Weekday blues - Every Tuesday night is party night with the best Bhangra and Urban Asian Beats. The Bhangra Show every Tuesday between 8pm-11pm
Remix Saturdays

Every Saturday evening we turn to remixes of hit songs to get you in the Saturday night party mood! Every Saturday between 5pm - 8pm
The Golden Era

The golden era of Bollywood celebrated in this weekly show full of classics taking you back in time. Every Sunday between 5pm - 7pm