UK unemployment falls to 44-year low despite Brexit fears

Employers' hiring reduces jobless rate to 3.9%, the lowest since the start of 1975

UK unemployment has dropped to the lowest level in more than 44 years despite mounting fears over Brexit, as employers across the country ramped up hiring at the fastest rate in more than three years.

The Office for National Statistics said Britain's jobless rate fell to a fresh low of 3.9% in the three months to January, down from 4% a month earlier, the lowest point since the start of 1975.

Related: UK jobless rate hits 44-year low of 3.9% despite Brexit uncertainty - business live