From 1st May, nationals of the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Malta and Cyprus will be able to move freely around the EU without immigration restrictions.
The UK labour market is said to be booming and suffering shortages of skilled workers in some areas. The Government has therefore been encouraging foreign workers to come to the UK, usually on the basis of a work permit, and until very recently had showed little enthusiasm for curbing the rights of workers from EU accession countries to come here.
But most other existing Member States have restricted the right under a temporary measure permitted by the Accession Treaty and yesterday, bowing to political pressure, the Government announced that it would do the same.
A new registration scheme, also launched yesterday, will enable the Government to closely monitor the numbers coming to the UK from the new EU countries and impose restrictions to protect the labour market if necessary.
The Government is also amending the rules under which a range of social security benefits and public services are provided, including access to housing support, health care and child benefit, to ensure that they are not abused.
According to David Blunkett:
"The measures we are announcing today send a very clear message – if you register you can come to the UK to work legally and contribute but you cannot claim benefits.
"The UK has always welcomed hard working immigrants seeking to better themselves and contribute to our prosperity. Tougher benefit rules will make sure our generosity is not exploited."
The requirement to register, explained Blunkett, was part of the Government crack down on illegal working and would also pave the way for the introduction of ID cards.