The number of working-age people without job dropped 121,000 to 2.12 million in the three months to May, according to the latest official data.

Figures by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), publishing this morning, showed UK unemployment at its lowest level for six years.

The number of people claiming unemployment benefit also fell 36,300 to 1.04 million.

David Cameron, the prime minister, said the figures proved government plans aimed at economic recovery were working.

"Today's figures show more people have the security of a job than ever before. Full employment is a key aim of our long-term economic plan,” he said.

But detractors questioned the “quality” of jobs being created as the figures also revealed wage growth slowing to just 0.3 per cent in March compared with the same month last year.

Excluding bonuses, wage increases were at their lowest since 2001.

"It's good to see unemployment falling,” said TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady, “but with pay growth falling to a record low, serious questions must be asked about the quality of jobs being created in Britain today.”