For three months I have applied to so many hospitality jobs and had a grand total of one interview where I did a free trial shift for one hour then got ghosted. Been looking in two cities Bristol and Cardiff for any hours and availablity at all and I hear back nothinggg, and I've got experience. Whats going on, the last 2 years it was much easier to get stuff, even when I had no expereince. Is it just me or has the market just completely dried up? Likewise same experience with TA jobs, even with experience, finding no shifts. My friends are also suffering with the same issues.

I'm 20 years old and I've been unemployed for a bit over a year not for lack of trying and it's been really unbelievably difficult. I've been using indeed and trying going into places but nothing has worked I can't seem to even land interviews. I want to work in the food sector in a kitchen my last job was at Boston Tea Party in Cheswick Village.

Where are you guys finding work because I'm desperate now.

EDIT: Got lots of great advice thank you very much everyone now I've realised that I don't know anyone I can contact as a professional reference

I look forward to next year when we can be surprised yet again by the unexpected rise in cardboard boxes and recycling after Santa has unexpectedly done his rounds once again.

Hey everyone, I’m a 23-year-old male who recently graduated with a BEng in Civil Engineering (Distinction). I officially graduated in November, but I’ve been applying for jobs since July 2025, and honestly… I’m exhausted.

I’ve applied to countless graduate schemes, civil service roles, and entry-level engineering jobs. Most of the time, I hear absolutely nothing back. When I do, it’s usually just a rejection with no explanation. Right now, I’m working at Greggs, and while I’m genuinely grateful to have a job, it’s really hard not to feel disappointed when it’s not the career I worked so hard for.

I moved to the UK four years ago full of hope, thinking that if I studied hard, got good grades, and did everything “right,” things would fall into place. Since then, I’ve built a life here, i met my husband, we’re civil partnered, and we have an amazing dog. I love my life here. But career-wise, I feel stuck and invisible.

Being international (not British) makes it feel even harder. It’s hard not to wonder if my applications are quietly being filtered out before anyone even reads them. The silence is the worst part it makes you question your worth, your choices, and whether all the effort was even worth it.

Some days it feels like I’m standing still while everyone else moves forward.

I guess I’m posting because I feel lost and could really use some perspective: • Is this just how the graduate market is right now? • Is Bristol especially tough for grads? • Am I doing something wrong, or is this just part of the process?

If anyone has been through something similar especially as a civil engineer or an international graduate, I’d really appreciate any advice, reassurance, or even just knowing I’m not alone.

Thank you for reading 🤍

Not often we say good things about the police, but i think they deserves praise for last night, especially compare with other cities.

I was watching a few live streams, not only the police put themselves in the line of fire with surprisingly few protection but also managed to keep cool under no doubt loads of abuse. The police was also pretty smart in separating the far right groups too.

They deserve recognition for their efforts in maintaining order under such challenging circumstances.

Bristol local news

More than a million people in the UK now have second jobs as rising costs, insecure work and industry changes push workers into a growing gig economy.

Billy-Jo Pierce says she is "living in survival mode", juggling multiple jobs to stay afloat in Bristol, the UK's second most expensive city.

She is one of a growing number of people who have taken on an extra paid role to combat the cost of living crisis and build financial security and flexibility.

Pierce, 29 and originally from Birmingham, says she loves her work but admits that the "burn out is real." 

She works 50-60 hours a week running a business decorating customers' teeth with cosmetic gems, while taking on reception shifts, bar work, festival jobs and selling clothes online.

I’m just curious, this post isn’t meant to come off as a rant. I’m someone with a very poor mental health and have been through a lot just to get me degree. I graduated last year and I’ve applied to over 200 IT jobs in Bristol but I haven’t even gotten an “unfortunately” email from them.

I’m at my wits end and I’m in such a state of despair. I have no family to fall back on so I’m on my own here and I’m just trying to hard to get an entry level it job. If you know any going at your companies please let me know

Hi all,

I’ve recently secured a job in Bristol, and I’m currently looking for a room to rent.

My budget is around £650 per month would this be reasonable for the Bristol market? I’m seeing mixed information online.

The job starts in September, so I’d also appreciate advice on how early I should begin my search, along with any general tips for finding a room in the area.

I've been trying to change my job for the last couple months and never in my life have I ever had such a problem finding full time work. I work in hospitality and have pretty much done it all, over 7 years in cafes, bars, pubs and all supervisory positions. I have great references and have even emailed some of the businesses I've interviewed with and told me my interviews were great too, they just went in another direction.

Back in Canada I had literally gotten every single job I had ever applied for, what's going on? I have a month to get a new job or I can't pay rent, I'm so frustrated and I can't figure out what I possibly could do better.

I saw a post complaining about Bristol Waste not coming round with more trucks

Well they've just been round our neighbourhood ( and it's not Clifton before the moaners start saying that Clifton gets the only attention!) with the classic big square recycling truck and then following a "normal waste" bin tipper truck and a couple of spare empty black bins. Unloading all the cardboard blue bags AND the mountains of excess cardboard next to the bags into their empty black bins and tipping it all into the truck. Really clever use of the resources they have.

And I even got a happy new year from one of the bin operators!

Job hunting in Bristol is so depressing as it seems like the standard is £12 p/h which is ridiculous when you consider how expensive Bristol is.

What’s more these employers truly act like the wage is super competitive- it’s literally 60p higher than minimum wage.

I’ve earned 40k the past three years and now it seems I stuck which crappy 26k jobs.

Hi, I am a UOB student who has been desperately trying to find work since the start of summer with little avail.

I’ve applied to hundreds of minimum wage jobs and have only had two job interviews, I also had an interview with a recruitment agency but they didn’t want me since I don’t have enough experience.

The only experience I really have in the hospitality industry is trial shifts (a pub and wedding event) and volunteering in the tuck shop at a youth club for 6 months or so a few years ago.

I really need the money in order to pay rent and basically survive in this city, whilst also being able to achieve good grades next year.

I was hoping to work intensively over the summer to afford to not work when I’m studying next year but that is looking increasingly unlikely since there is only 1 month left of summer and it’s really depressing me.

I was thinking of emailing all of the independent cafés and restaurants around Bristol and I’ve even made a list of many today but I’m apprehensive that that will work.

Any advice on how to find work here will be greatly appreciated :)

Frustration doesn’t cut it.

I’m desperate to find a new job as the commute costs are killing me yet I can not for love or money find a job in Bristol that doesn’t require a driving license

It makes no sense as the council are on this huge campaign to get everyone to use public transport or to cycle as well as pedestrianizing streets and roads

I find many jobs that I’m suited to and 9 times out of ten they state you need a clean driving license- even if the job doesn’t involve driving simply due to the workplace having no good transport links .

I am learning to drive though have failed two tests last year and frankly can’t afford lessons atm as I’ve already spent £3k

I moved to central with the idea of being able to walk or cycle and not I’m paying £340 a month train fair in a job I don’t like purely out of desperation. I check jobs daily and they even require a driving license or are minimum wage.

I feel the council really need to put their money where their mouth is by making areas or locations more accessible via public transport

So whilst I’m sure everyone will downvote this because they don’t like the message, I feel it’s got to be said anyway. (And I’m sorry you won’t like it) It’s said with love from another dog owner.

If you can’t recall your dog, particularly from other dogs, your dog is not under control and you should have it on a lead until you train it to have recall. (and there are many solutions).

Even in parks where dogs are allowed offlead.

Even if your dog doesn’t mean any harm.

Even if you got a dog to switch off and have a relaxing walk.

Its just not fair to other dog owners, and park users who are also trying to go about their day without their dogs reacting, or trying to eat a BBQ, or let their children play safely, or don’t like dogs, or don’t want dogs jumping up at them and ruining their clothes.

Dog owners who have their dog on a lead have their dog ‘under control’. When your offlead dog runs up to it and there is reactivity, that was your fault. Because they cannot control your dog, that’s your job. They’re doing their job because their dog is on a lead.

There are a myriad of reasons that dogs are on leads, some of those reasons include dogs being in pain or injured, pregnant, or old and scared or being trained to not be reactive. Reactivity takes a long time to fix and effectively is reset every time a dog comes too close. But you cannot train a dog to not be reactive by not being around dogs, as you’re trying to teach them that dogs are not scary In incremental distances. All dogs have a right to be exercised and just because it is not convenient for you, it doesn’t make it right. We have a dogs rehoming centre right in the city, we need to be more accommodating and responsible.

PSA. don't litter. simple, really

if they do come for you, you can risk ignoring them by walking into a building of whatever but I'm not sure if that [https://www.reddit.com/r/LegalAdviceUK/s/JCSggbSkTC](will work) lol

I’ve been applying for months and still nothing… literally on the verge of starving.. I’ve done it all; given them out in person, online, agencies… to no avail! What infuriates me even more is that, I have the experience but I still can’t seem to get them.. might be because I’m a student however back in London i was working while doing a levels.. if anyone here knows anyone hiring— PLEASE PLEASE LET ME KNOW.

They have suggested that the library or maybe a coffee shop could be good but I will be discussing some personal things and dont really want people overhearing our conversation, or worse bump into someone I know...

What are some entry level jobs that are always hiring, easy to get in and receive training on the job, and don’t ask for experience? I’m open to most things except warehouse jobs (can’t really carry heavy stuff due to an injury at the moment). Please do let me know if anyone knows what I can apply for.

Wowwzers ma dudes. Last time I looked for a job, around 4 years ago, the market was flooded with endless ads for IT Support/Engineers, all paying a somewhat reasonable “living wage”.

Well, I may be out of the job soon and having just now looked at potential prospects in Bristol and surrounding areas, it was a baron wasteland, with sprinklings of land mines that should be avoided.

I must be very sheltered because damn, I was surprised and am now somewhat daunting the official search.

IT industry was booming in Bristol, is there something going on above and beyond the norm? (other than AI takin rrrrrr jobs) p.s sorry for the babble

Hi everyone,

I’m finding it really difficult to get a job at the moment and could really use some advice.

I’m an international student currently doing my Master’s at UWE Bristol. I’ve been invited to interviews at Asda, Sainsbury’s, Aldi, and Tesco for store assistant roles. I believe I performed well in all of them, but unfortunately I wasn’t selected.

In my most recent interview with Aldi, the regional manager said I was a good fit for the role and competent, but he was concerned that I might leave if I find a better opportunity related to my studies or career in the future. They mentioned they prefer someone who can stay for at least a year, so they were unsure about hiring me.

Now I’m feeling a bit stuck. If these kinds of roles aren’t the right fit, what other jobs should I be applying for in Bristol? I really need something right now, ideally part-time.

Any advice or suggestions would really help. Thanks in advance.

I’ve recently got a job where I do not need to come in at all if I so wish, I’m thinking going somewhere cheap and buying a property in the middle of nowhere surrounded by trees, some people even totally moved to a different country that’s cheaper and are just enjoying the good life. Just want to know what people would do in such a situation given the choice?