The jobless total today fell to its lowest since August 1975.

There were 10,200 fewer people out of work and claiming benefit last month, taking the jobless total to 975,800.

The drop, which was almost double the number analysts had expected, is a boost for Labour as the party unveils its election manifesto today.

Figures for the first quarter of the year show 28.1m people are now in work - 268,000 more than a year ago.

Britain now has the highest number of people in employment since records began in 1984.

Meanwhile, average earnings were 5.1% higher in the year to March, a drop of 0.1% in the 12 months to February.

Updated: 16.42 Wednesday, May 16