London firms say immigrants are 'good for business'

A 'significant' majority of business in London think that the capital would not be as competitive without the contribution of migrants, according to a new report.

The survey of 182 firms, published today by the London Chamber of Commerce in partnership with polling firm ComRes, quizzed companies on a wide range of immigration issues, two years on from the introduction of the UK’s points-based system.

Migrants are viewed in a positive light by London employers across a number of indicators with 68 per cent saying they often work harder than their UK counterparts.

Similarly, 72 per cent of companies say that migrants are prepared to do the jobs that British citizens won’t.

Employers not only view migrants positively in a general sense, but value their contribution to their own firms as well, with 57 per cent of companies saying that immigrants are important to their own company.

However, most businesses (56 per cent) think that migrant workers are not as well qualified as UK employees.

On the controversial subject of the pressure migrants place on public services, the majority of London businesses (56 per cent) think the economic benefits they bring to the capital outweigh the potential cost of providing such services.

When asked if an amnesty for illegal immigrants resident in London would be beneficial for businesses, just 38 per cent said yes.

Opinion was more evenly divided though on Boris Johnson’s policy of an amnesty for illegal immigrants living in London for four years or more with 43 per cent saying they agreed with the policy and 52 per cent saying they opposed it.

Sunil Gadhia, Chairman of the LCCI’s Asian Business Association (ABA), said: “London businesses know first-hand that international workers bring much needed skills and ideas to the capital.

"Without them, London would be a less competitive and dynamic place to live and work, and our overall economic success would undoubtedly suffer.

“The rules for employing migrants must be clear, easy to follow, and take into account the needs of SMEs. Smaller firms may not have specialist legal or HR expertise, but they still want to hire the best and brightest to help their companies grow.”