The majority of migrant workers come to earn a living

The study commissioned by East of England Development Agency (EEDA) aims to find out the scale, geography and characteristics of migrant workers.

An EEDA spokeswoman said it hoped to discover how migrant workers can and do assist with the development of the regional economy.

The research begins in October and is expected to be complete in April 2005.

The research defines migrant workers as those who, within the last five years, have come to the UK specifically to find or take up work, whether intending to remain permanently or temporarily and whether documented or undocumented.

'Immigration assisted nation'

Head of Environment and Community Development at EEDA, Judith Barker said: "These outcomes will be shared with employers to help them to target individuals with the skills they need in order to ensure continued economic growth in the East of England.

"Britain has been a country where immigration has assisted the nation to develop and excel. We would like to see this spirit continue.

"There have frequently been stories in the media of a tiny minority who try to take advantage of the system but the vast majority of migrant workers come to Britain with the simple aim of earning a living.

"We must ensure individual's goals and aspirations are harnessed for the benefit and future success of the region's economy."

The study will be carried out by the Working Lives Institute at London Metropolitan University.