Bradford West by-election candidate Labour’s Imran Hussain visited a business in the constituency yesterday and met young apprentices as he pledged to do more to combat high youth unemployment rates in the area.

Councillor Hussain, who is deputy leader of Bradford Council, went to Lidget Green Motors on Spencer Road and spoke to two young men who are training to be mechanics.

It comes as the latest job statistics for the constituency show an 8.2 per cent unemployment rate.

He told the Telegraph & Argus that youth unemployment had tripled in the area in the last year. He said: “These are young guys from the area that have been supported by a local business, have had an opportunity through these apprenticeships and will go on to a job.

“Many of their friends are in the position where they haven’t got employment and are desperate to get it.”

Of his campaign, he added: “What I am trying to do is get out there and knock on as many doors and listen to as many people. I’m not taking anything for granted.

“I am listening to people’s concerns and time and time again, one of the biggest things coming back is unemployment. People are being hit hard by this coalition Government.”

Coun Hussain was selected at the weekend to contest the seat left vacant by the resignation of Labour MP Marsha Singh due to ill health.

A list of candidates in the by-election was published yesterday following the closure of nominations.

Those hoping to take the seat on March 29, are: Neil Craig (Democratic Nationalists); George Galloway (Respect); Alan “Howling Laud” Hope (Monster Raving Loony Party); Imran Hussain (Labour); Dawud Islam (Green Party); Sonja McNally (UK Independence Party); Jeanette Sunderland (Liberal Democrat); and Jackie Whiteley (Conservative).

It has also been confirmed that the by-election count will take place at Richard Dunn Sports Centre in Odsal, following the close of the poll at 10pm.