A new survey has suggested workers are becoming increasingly concerned over the potential effect of immigration on their jobs.

The third annual Transatlantic Trends poll by the German Marshall Fund (GMF) of the US found respondents who saw their household economic situation worsen last year were likely to claim that immigration results in fewer jobs for native-born citizens.

Almost two-thirds of Americans in this category said this, while Europeans who identified themselves as unemployed were also found to be more likely to make this statement.

Despite this, overall views on immigration have remained largely the same since 2009, the survey showed.

GMF president Craig Kennedy remarked: "The survey shows that North Americans and Europeans have strong opinions about immigration policy, what works and what doesn't."

A recent poll by Australian organization Bankwest indicated almost one-third of businesses in the country are being directly affected by skills shortages - particularly those based in Queensland and Western Australia.

Posted by Kate Griffin