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New research shows migration has not stopped British workers finding jobs

DEPARTMENT FOR WORK AND PENSIONS News Release (EMP-087) issued by The Government News Network on 11 June 2008

Migrants coming to the UK from Eastern Europe have not caused unemployment or stopped UK workers from finding jobs, according to research published today.

The research, 'The impact of migration from the new European Union Member States on native workers' concludes that new migrants have not had an impact on the numbers claiming unemployment benefits in the UK, or had a significant impact on wages.

Welcoming the research Minister for Employment and Welfare Reform Stephen Timms said:

"Migrants from Eastern Europe have come to the UK to work and have been a benefit to our economy, allowing companies to grow and create more jobs. As this research shows these migrants have not taken jobs away from British workers and have not impacted on wages.

"The numbers of people claiming unemployment benefits are at levels as low as 30 years ago, while the number of vacancies in the economy continue to rise. What we need to do now is ensure we continue helping those young people with low skills to get the training and support they need to make the most of the opportunities which exist."

As well as this research paper from the DWP, the Home Office has published the Government's response to the House of Lords Economic Affairs Committee's report into the economic benefits of migration.

Notes to editors

1. The research report 'The impact of migration from the new European Union Member States on the UK Labour Market' is published by the DWP today and is available on the website at: http://www.dwp.gov.uk

2. The Government response to the House of Lords Economic Affairs Committee's report into the economic benefits of migration is published today by the Home office.