The UK is still seen as an attractive destination for overseas companies to set up or expand, according to government figures.

The statistics revealed that there was a 23% rise in the number of jobs created by new foreign operations in 2007, accounting for 45,000 positions. Such investment also safeguarded a further 58,000 jobs.

Positions in the field of research and development rose by 83% while there also rises in the call centre and services industries, although the number of jobs created by external investment in manufacturing and distribution fell.

"In a year of international financial uncertainty this impressive performance exemplifies that now, more than ever, the UK economy is synonymous with opportunity and global potential," said trade minister Lord Digby Jones.

Most investment came from the US, accounting for 30% of all such activity, despite the impact of the credit crunch.