Migrant workers are highly skilled and have a better philosophy to work than many of their UK counterparts, according to a new survey conducted by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC).

Firms are also now employing a higher percentage of migrant workers since the 2004 accession countries joined the European Union and SME owners are following the same pattern by turning to migrant workers to fill key vacancies.

The research asked: “What reasons do you have for employing migrant workers?” A comprehensive 25.6% said it was because there was a short supply of candidates with required skills, 23.3% said that migrant workers have a better work ethic and 17.4% of employers said migrant workers are more productive than their UK equivalents.

Similarly, nearly 70% of those surveyed said the UK Government was not doing enough to support businesses looking to employ overseas workers and 75.8% of those surveyed said that migration was beneficial to the UK economy.

“Migrant workers have helped to fuel the UK economy but it is troubling that so many businesses do not want to employ British workers. The UK's chronic skills shortages must be addressed by the Government and reform of the school curriculum is needed to ensure that young people enter the workforce with the necessary skills and the right attitude to get on at work,” said David Frost, Director General of the BCC.