The number of people unemployed in the UK rose by 23,000 to 2.47m during the quarter to April, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

However, jobseekers allowance claimant numbers dropped last month by 30,900 to 1.48m.

Minister for employment Chris Grayling says the new figures highlight the importance of a single Work Programme which will offer personalised support to people on a range of benefits, including Jobseeker’s Allowance, Incapacity Benefits, and Employment and Support Allowance

Grayling says: “The figures also demonstrate why our planned Work Programme is so important. With nearly five million people on out of work benefits and record numbers of people who are economically inactive, we have to make sure that as the economy grows and jobs are created in the next few years that we learn from the mistakes of the past, and ensure that we provide real help and support for people on benefits so they can take advantage of employment opportunities and make the move into work.”

The single Work Programme is due for launch early next year.