Official records in Britain have revealed that immigration rose to unprecedented levels last year.

The net migration figure till September 2010, stood at 242,000, the third highest on record.

Immigration Minister Damian Green admitted migration rates were 'out of control' and blamed the previous Labour government for it.

"That is why we have already introduced radical changes to drive the numbers down and, we will shortly be consulting on a range of new measures," The Daily Mail quoted him, as saying.

Immigration levels have soared following Britain's policy of allowing Eastern Europeans to work in the country without restriction.

According to statistics, immigration from Eastern Europe rose by 50 per cent to 72,000 while the number of Eastern Europeans going back home dropped by nearly half to 29,000.

Though the government did succeed in cutting the numbers of student visas to non-Europeans by two percent, it was offset by a rise in work visas.

Andrew Green of Migration Watch has warned about the adverse consequences of immigration.

"Firm measures are now absolutely essential. The impact on British-born workers is a particular concern that has been brushed under the carpet for too long," he said.