Unemployment has increased for the first time in almost a year, while the number of women in work has fallen by 40,000, new figures have revealed.

The jobless total jumped by 21,000 between December and February to 1.7 million - the first rise since last summer.

The number of people claiming unemployment- related benefits increased by 6,700 in March to 732,100, the first monthly rise since last August.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) also reported employment increased by 20,000 in the latest quarter to 31.4 million, the smallest rise for almost a year.

ONS statistician Nick Palmer said: “It’’s too soon to be certain but, with unemployment up for the first time since mid-2015, and employment seeing its slowest rise since that period, it’s possible that recent improvements in the labour market may be easing off.”

There were 14.6 million women in work, down by 40,000 on the previous three months and the first fall since the autumn of 2012.

The quarterly reduction in women’s employment was the biggest for five years.

In contrast, male employment was almost 16.8 million, the highest since records began in 1971.

Work and Pensions Secretary Stephen Crabb said: “We remain in a position of strength, with a record employment rate, wages continuing to grow steadily and three-quarters of a million vacancies available in the labour market.

“Work is essential in transforming the lives of the most disadvantaged people in society and is at the heart of our welfare reforms. We are committed to ensuring that everyone across the country benefits from our strong economy and the opportunities this brings.”

The Government highlighted figures showing the female employment rate remains at a record high of 69.1 per cent.