Corporate, Immigration News, Visas
Changes to the shortage occupations list
There has been a radical shake up of the shortage occupation list.
the UKVI recently announced a radical revision of the Shortage Occupation List which defines roles that employers can offer to migrants without first checking local labour availability. Its purpose is to expedite recruitment for roles that are traditionally difficult to fill.
In the past, the types of roles on the list were considered specialist, but the latest additions include more commonplace occupations such as IT professionals, nurses, and social workers, further indication that the government has acknowledged the skills shortage is affecting areas of the jobs market that were previously considered well serviced.
A full list of jobs on the shortage occupation list can be found in Appendix K of the Tier 2 immigration rules here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration-rules/immigration-rules-appendix-k-shortage-occupation-list
Examples most relevant to our client base include:
- Physical scientists in the oil and gas industry
- Civil engineers
- Mechanical engineers
- Electrical and electronics engineers
- Design and development engineers
- Production and process engineers
- IT business analysts and systems designers
- Programmers, software developers and web designers
- Medical practitioners and radiographers
- Veterinarians
- Nurses
- Architects and quantity surveyors