Obama on American Jobs Act: It's no time to play politics

President Barack Obama has urged members of the US Congress put party politics aside and support his $447bn (£282bn) proposal to create jobs and boost employment in the US.

The American Jobs Act, unveiled in a major address on Thursday night, must pass a divided Congress before it can become law.

Republicans have responded cautiously, with House Speaker John Boehner saying only the plan "merits consideration".

The jobs package centres on cutting payroll taxes for workers and employers, and new spending on recruiting teachers and infrastructure projects.