Blunkett lifeline to 'twilight' workers

Home Secretary David Blunkett may throw a lifeline to hundreds of thousands of immigrants working illegally in the UK's twilight economy.

They may be allowed to stay in Britain under plans to help those who are working on "poverty wages" on the margins of society. Home Office officials believe the illegals are keeping the catering and hospitality industries going - particularly in London and the South-East.

Mr Blunkett is said to have ruled out a general amnesty but is understood to be keen on a scheme known as "earned regularisation", on American lines.

Applicants would have to prove they had not tried to abuse the system.