THE numbers of Romanians and Bulgarians who have taken up employment in Britain since access restrictions to the labour market were lifted at the turn of the year will be revealed in official figures published today.

Labour market data, published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), will show how many citizens of the eastern European countries were employed in the UK between January and March this year.

A total of 144,000 Romanians and Bulgarians were employed in the UK between October and December last year, according to the last batch of statistics, an increase of 9,000 from 135,000 in the previous three months.

Restrictions to the labour market were lifted for Romanians and Bulgarians on January 1, prompting warnings of a looming surge of immigration from the two countries.

Estimates have suggested today's figures will show around 30,000 have come from Romania and Bulgaria since the start of the year.

A range of polarised reports emerged in the run-up to the lifting of controls, including a predicted surge in pickpocketing, muggings, beggars on the streets and rioting.

Other reports suggested citizens from the two Eastern European countries will attempt to sell their babies when they arrive in Britain.

And claims of fully-booked flights and coaches from Bucharest and Sofia at the turn of the year were incorrect and retracted.

The Home Affairs Select Committee earlier this year blasted the Government for failing to commission estimates of the numbers of Romanians and Bulgarians who would come to Britain after controls were lifted.

In a damning report, the committee said the Government's decision not to obtain official estimates played into the hands of those who ''wish to inflame tensions about immigration for political gain''.

Prime Minister David Cameron rushed through new measures at the end of last year to ensure EU migrants will be unable to claim out-of-work benefits for their first three months in the UK.

In addition, those found begging or sleeping rough could be deported and barred from re-entry for 12 months unless they can show they have a proper reason to be in the UK, such as holding a job.

Other proposals previously announced in the Government's Immigration Bill will see migrant access to the NHS restricted, while landlords, employers, bankers and DVLA staff will all be expected to take part in checks for illegal immigrants under tough reforms.

An extension of the NHS charging regime was unveiled, which will see overseas visitors and migrants charged for accident and emergency treatment in England.

Migrants will also have to pay for primary care services such as minor surgery carried out by GPs, while prescription charges will be extended.

© Press Association 2014