'Bosses choosing committed foreign workers over lazy British'

The survey, from the British Chambers of Commerce, revealed the rock-bottom opinion held by bosses of many British workers.

The bosses of more than 300 small and medium-sized businesses were asked: "What reasons do you have for employing migrant workers?."

They said migrant workers from anywhere from Poland to India have "a better work ethic" and are "more productive".

British workers also lack the "required skills" and there is a short supply of local "candidates with required experience."

David Frost, director general of the business lobby group, said it is "troubling" how British businesses are turning away from British workers.

He said: "It is troubling that so many businesses do not want to employ British workers. The UK's chronic skills shortage 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."

The survey found that the majority - an overwhelming 75.8 per cent - think migration is beneficial to the economy.

The influx of Polish workers into Britain since May 2004 has been particularly welcomed by bosses who value their work ethic and skills.

Phil Inness, managing director of Axis Electronics, said: "Around 20 per cent of our workforce is Polish. In three years of employing from eastern Europe, we haven't had one negative experience. The only concern I have is that at some point they might want to go home."

Jo Lynch, human resources manager at Thomas Storey Fabrications, said: "When we need to take on a number of people relatively quickly, we find it easier to recruit from Eastern Europe as there is a larger supply of workers with the right skills."

It is the second time in only a few weeks that research by a major business lobby group has berated the failiings of the British workforce.

Last month, the Institute of Directors said employers think migrants are harder-working, more reliable and better skilled.

A separate report from the Association of Graduate Recruiters said half of major employers are unable to fill graduate vacancies because students lack basic work skills.

Prized graduate jobs have to be left open every year even though universities are turning out soaring numbers of students.

Bosses blame this on the low calibre of graduates, even those with first or upper second-class degrees.

One graduate going for a job at an investment bank began his interview saying: "You all right mate?"

Mr Frost said the Government should be wary of letting businesses rely on migrant workers despite their huge popularity.

He said: "It is unsustainable to import our way out of the failings of the UK education system. I hope the findings of the survey focus minds and ensure that the Government takes seriously the lack of employable British workers in the jobs market."