Germany may open some sectors of its labour market to new EU member states earlier than planned, according to the Hannoversche Allgemeine Zeitung.

Currently, only sectors with labour shortages are allowed to hire workers from Bulgaria and Romania.

A labour shortage and increasing number of new jobs could accelerate the liberalisation of Germany’s labour market.

The entry restrictions on Germany's labour market are due to expire in 2009.

The UK home office said a month ago that at the start of next year it would discuss reducing or removing current restrictions on employing Bulgarians and Romanians.