The Small Firms Association (SFA) has called on the Government to give temporary work permits to qualifying immigrants. In a statement, the SFA said that over 56 per cent of small companies are seeking additional staff but that 88 per cent of these are experiencing "severe difficulties in the recruitment area".

"Over 10,000 jobs remain vacant, while at the same time we are paying out over £20 million in unemployment benefits each week," said SFA chairperson Mr Kieran Crowley. He called for an end to "impediments which stop women, long-term unemployed and immigrants from gaining legitimate and productive employment".

The SFA is proposing temporary work permits for non-nationals and the establishment of an advisory group to examine the issues involved.