The unemployment rate stands at 8.2%, down 0.2% from the previous three months.
But longer term unemployment rose with those unemployed for over a year up 30,000 to 886,000.
Those out of work for more than two years also rose 29,000 to 434,000.
The unemployment rate for 16 to 24 year olds was 21.9% in the three months to April, down 0.6% from the previous quarter.
Neil Carberry, CBI director for employment and skills, said: “Today’s fall in overall unemployment numbers offers cause for some optimism, despite the on-going risk presented by events in the Eurozone.
“The most pleasing aspect is the strong growth in private sector employment in the first quarter of the year, with businesses taking on over two-hundred thousand extra staff – five times as many people as lost their jobs in the public sector.
“It’s particularly encouraging to see the number of people in full-time work rising too, by 82,000 in the three months to April. This is the first time in nine months we’ve seen rising full-time employment.
“Long-term unemployment remains troubling, however, with a rise of 3.6% in those unemployed for over a year. There is a pressing need for the Government’s Work Programme to deliver and stop people
