u/MLC1974

Serious question. Are we the poor relations compared to the North West?

Their main cities of Manchester and Liverpool are far more vibrant than Leeds and Sheffield. Retail, nightlife, public transport, football teams, music, for example.

Unemployment is 4.9% in the North West compared to 5.8% in Yorkshire. Even the North East is lower than us now, and we're the second worst region for it.

Sporting success seems so much better in the North West, especially in football, whilst our teams either get or face relegation.

Whilst the North West has its poverty and challenges, they don't seem to have the sheer number of failing town and city centres we do. Sheffield should be so much better than it is, and even Bradford should be. Leeds is mediocre now, especially compared to the success stories of both Manchester and Liverpool, both of which are flourishing.

Leeds can't even convince the government to give it a tram system. Instead it relies on buses that, if you're lucky, finish at 11pm. Then there's our rubbish airports.

I know we all like to wax lyrical about how great we are in Yorkshire, but are we? We do have a better coastline than they do, and York is miles better than Chester, but countryside is a close call. We have more of it, but they have the Lake District.

What do you think?

Do you find they are generally decent or not?

I find they are if you're singing to their tune, but given the jobs market at the moment, an increasing amount seem more interest in what jobs you've applied for, so effectively you're giving THEM leads.

I also find they often oversell jobs, making them sound better than they are. Also, one agency today asked me for a reference upfront so they can canvas me to employers they deal with, in case a vacancy comes up in the future.

Finally, many recruitment consultants seem to be only interested in putting you forward for roles they are individually recruiting for, rather than other suitable positions that their wider agency have on their books.

What's your experiences?

Do you think Sheffield city centre is improving? Are more retailers coming and is footfall getting better?

What needs to be done to improve it further?