Employment levels have reached a record high, with 29.46 million people in work, according to government figures.

Unemployment fell by 32,000 from November to January, meaning there are 89,000 fewer unemployed people than this time last year.

The Office for National Statistics provided the figures, which also show that the number of Jobseekers Allowance claimants fell by 2,800 in February. The Government says this is the 17th consecutive month the figure has dropped, and says this is the lowest it has been in 32 years.

Our employment rate of 74.8% continues to be above that of most other countries within the EU, says Stephen Timms, minister for employment. Every region and country in the UK now benefits from higher employment and there are a million fewer people on key out-of-work benefits than 10 years ago. We recognise, however, that there are still small areas where employment remains low and we are taking steps to address this.

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