The number of unemployed people rose by 53,000 to 2.51m, while the unemployment rate remained at 8% in April, according to data from the Office for National Statistics.

The data also shows that claimant numbers fell by 27,100 to 1.52m.

Kevin Green, the Recruitment and Employment Confederation’s chief executive, says: “The latest unemployment figures are one of the first indicators that the new government has on the state of the economy and the fragility of the jobs market. Reducing unemployment and creating jobs should be the central priority of this new administration.  

“Our flexible jobs market has already ensured that unemployment has not reached the levels seen in other European countries and will play a major role in helping people back into work.

“Reducing the deficit is the other immediate priority but the government must focus on reforming public services rather than short term cuts. We need a well executed programme of productivity improvement and innovation in the delivery of critical public services.”