Changes to the Shortage Occupation List

The Shortage Occupation List (‘the List’) can be found in Appendix K of the Immigration Rules. The List essentially sets out jobs in short supply that need to be filled.

There are various advantages for employers to fill roles that are on the List rather than those which are not. These include:

Not having to conduct a Resident Labour Market Test (‘RLMT’), which is a process that seeks to determine if there is a suitable settled worker to fill the vacancy. The RLMT is designed to give settled workers priority in the job market. The RLMT can be a time-consuming and can require a considerable amount of resources, as such it a considerable advantage for sponsors to not to have to run this;
Lower visa fees;
Priority allocation of CoS;
An exemption from the minimum income threshold for settlement (ILR) applications;

On 29 September 2020, the Migration Advisory Committee reviewed the List and made considerable additions along with a couple of removals.

With regard to removals, both Standard Occupational Classification (‘SOC’) code 2433 (quality surveyors) and 5434 (chefs) were withdrawn from the List.

Whilst only two groupings of jobs were removed from the list, substantial numbers of job descriptions were added. Those added to the List are:

1181 Health services and public health managers and directors;
1242 Residential, day and domiciliary care managers and proprietors;
2213 Pharmacists;
2314 Secondary education teaching professionals – this job description already existed but was expanded on;
3111 Laboratory Technicians;
3131 IT operations technicians;
3412 Authors, writers and translators;
3539 Business and related associate professionals n.e.c.;
3565 Inspectors of standards and regulations;
5112 Bricklayers and masons;
5119 Agricultural and fishing trades n.e.c.;
5212 Moulders, core makers & die casters;
5215 Welding trades – this job description already existed but was expanded on;
5223 Metal working production and maintenance fitters;
5231 Vehicle technicians, mechanics and electricians;
5241 Electricians and electrical fitters;
5249 Electrical & electronic trades n.e.c.;
5431 Butchers;
6131 Veterinary nurses;
6141 Nursing auxiliaries and assistants;
6144 Houseparents and residential wardens;
6146 Senior care workers; and
9119 Fishing and other elementary agricultural occupations n.e.c.

As expressed above, the numbers refer to the Standard Occupational Classification (‘SOC’) code.

The remainder of the job descriptions on the List have remained the same.

Gherson has extensive experience with Tier 2 applications working both with employers and employees directly.

Gherson continues to monitor any immigration updates closely. The information published in this blog is accurate at the time of posting and may change. Please continue to visit our website for further updates.

The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please don’t hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.

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