The drop has been largely driven by a rise in the number of people not actively seeking work.

One petrol retailer says he is experiencing about five drive-offs a week at each forecourt, costing him thousands.

The war in the Middle East has brought renewed attention to Britain's vulnerability to energy price shocks.

Ternus will take over running the technology giant in September as Cook steps up to become executive chairman.

While the UK unemployment rate stands at 4.9%, increasing numbers of those in work have more than one job.