Employment minister: Reforms helping people into work

Employment Minister Mark Hoban has welcomed a fall in unemployment to 7.7% between May and July, from 7.8% in the previous quarter.

"The private sector's created 1.4 million jobs since May 2010... it's a very clear sign that the economy is turning," he told BBC News.

Mr Hoban said it was due to the government's reform of the benefit system and encouragement of business.