Holding a second independence referendum "is the wrong thing to do for Scotland's economy", the UK Labour leader has said.

Jeremy Corbyn made the comments as the party prepares to formally reveal its manifesto for next month's election.

His comments follow an interview in March where he told the Press Association "if a referendum is held then it is absolutely fine, it should be held" and if there was a vote in the House of Commons then his MPs "wouldn't block it".

The manifesto will state: "Labour opposes a second Scottish independence referendum.

"It is unwanted and unnecessary and we will campaign tirelessly to ensure Scotland remains part of the UK. Independence would lead to turbo-charged austerity for Scottish families."

Last week, an entire draft copy of the document was leaked to the Telegraph and the Mirror by figures inside the party.

Corbyn said: "Scotland doesn't need or want a second independence referendum.

"We need the SNP government to get on with the job of governing. The SNP government should be using the existing powers of the Scottish Parliament to focus on jobs, grow the economy, help family incomes and invest in public services.

"Holding another referendum on leaving the UK is the wrong thing to do for Scotland's economy, especially when there is so much economic uncertainty from the Tories' plans for a reckless Brexit."

Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale warned voters against voting Conservative in Scotland as it would not "send Nicola Sturgeon a message" but instead it would send "Theresa May back to Number 10".

Candidate for the SNP Callum McCaig responded: "This is quite bizarre from Labour given that Jeremy Corbyn said only two months ago that an independence referendum would be 'absolutely fine'.

"It's only fair that Scotland gets a choice on its future once the terms of Brexit are clear. That should be a decision for Scotland, not Westminster Tories or Islington Labour.

"This election is about protecting Scotland from the dangers of an unopposed Tory government at Westminster. Now more than ever, it is vital to have strong SNP voices standing up for Scotland."

Scottish Conservative candidate John Lamont said: "These words from Jeremy Corbyn will do nothing to reassure Scots who value our place in the UK.

"Mr Corbyn may be reluctantly issuing words on independence now when Labour are tanking in the polls.

"But the fact is he couldn't be bothered campaigning during the referendum and has since said it's 'absolutely fine' for the SNP to have a second divisive separation vote."

Chair of the Scottish Lib Dems' election campaign Alex Cole-Hamilton commented: "Only the Scottish Liberal Democrats are pro-UK, pro-EU and progressive.

"Jeremy Corbyn abandoned any claim to that when his lacklustre campaigning contributed to the loss of the Remain campaign and when he subsequently marched his MPs through the voting lobbies alongside Theresa May in support of a hard Brexit."