"EEDA is commissioning a three-year study to help understand better migrant workers' experiences of working and living here including issues they face integrating so we can ensure they contribute fully to the economy.

"The message we get from businesses consistently is that they need migrant workers to survive. They are employed in a range of businesses including the manufacturing, construction, agri-food and service sectors of our economy. But there is a real danger that we will lose these valuable workers because it is not only the UK that requires the skills that migrant workers offer. When London hosts the Olympics, Poland will be co-hosting the European football championships so we are competing for construction workers to build the stadium and other infrastructure."

"From our previous work in the area, we know that the multitude of complex issues to be negotiated by migrant workers can be staggering - and difficult to research over the short-term. We are delighted that EEDA has asked us to carry out this three-year project which we are certain will illuminate these 'hidden' but very important issues. "

"Research to date has mainly provided snapshots of migrants' experiences in the UK. It has generally failed to provide a deeper understanding of the intertwined nature of migrant workers' motivations, decisions, their understanding of barriers, sources of support and the development of coping strategies over a longer period of time. The objective is also to understand the impact of public policy on migrant workers lives at work and in local communities."

"EEDA wants schemes such as those under the Migrant Gateway pilot to be part of a wider strategic programme of activity. They need to be part of a broader national framework, with central government departments supporting, co-ordinating and leading support for regional and local agencies."