LONDON - Businesses that employ migrants should help pay for them to learn English, says an independent body looking at ways of improving integration.

Research found that 60 percent of those questioned on behalf of the Commission on Integration and Cohesion agreed the biggest barrier to "being English" was not speaking the language.

"It is only right that those who benefit most from migration ... should pay a contribution," it said.

The commission's report, "Our Shared Future", stressed that diversity is a huge economic and cultural strength for Britain.

But it added: "We have to recognise that there are communities who are experiencing migration in a way they haven't before. Whilst there is no cause for alarm, there is a clear case for action."

As part of a wide-ranging set of recommendations, it called on individuals, organisations, local and national government to play their part in making communities more resilient and united.

Money should be diverted from translation into English language provision, it went on to say.

But the University and College Union (UCU) said that unless the government stops plans to cut access to free English classes it has no chance of complying with the recommendations.

UCU General Secretary Sally Hunt said: "Failure to invest will result in embarrassment for the ministers who have backed English classes for migrants."

The commission was established by Communities Secretary Ruth Kelly last August in response to London's July 2005 bombings which were carried out by British Muslims.

The Islamic Human Rights Commission said in a statement: "The commission's report wilfully ignores the reality that the July 7 bombers spoke fluent English."

It said cohesion is a two-way street requiring obligations from all sectors of society.

The commission also called for local contracts with new arrivals, setting out what is not acceptable behaviour such as spitting in the street.

Funding single issue groups rather than community projects should be the exception rather than the rule, it added, and it wants a nationally sponsored community week, during which people could play a more active role in their local community. Places of worship would open their doors and street parties be held.

Large employers should consider allowing employees paid leave to participate in local charity events, while those who achieve a GCSE in Citizenship Studies should be able to take part in graduation ceremonies.