The UK unemployment rate has fallen unexpectedly to its lowest level since last summer as inactivity in the jobs market increases and vacancies tumble, according to official figures.The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said the rate of UK unemployment dropped sharply to 4.9% in the three months to February, down from 5.2% in the three months to January and lowest since August last year.

The UK unemployment rate has fallen unexpectedly to its lowest level since last summer as inactivity in the jobs market increases and vacancies tumble, according to official figures.The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said the rate of UK unemployment dropped sharply to 4.9% in the three months to February, down from 5.2% in the three months to January and lowest since August last year.