Changes to the Shortage Occupation List

The Shortage Occupation List outlines the jobs for which there is a lack of skilled labour in the UK. From 7 August 2023, the list will be expanded to include certain roles in the construction and fishing industries.

The following occupation codes will be added to the Shortage Occupation List on 7 August 2023: 

• Agriculture and fishing trades not elsewhere classified
• Bricklayers and masons
• Roofers, roof tilers and slaters
• Carpenters and joiners
• Construction and building trades not elsewhere classified
• Plasterers
• Fishing and other elementary agriculture occupations not elsewhere classified.

There is a number of advantages to a role being on the Shortage Occupation List, including lower visa application fees and minimum salary requirements. The aim is to make employers’ access to migrant labour easier and cheaper in order to fill vacancies in short supply, so that businesses can swiftly address their immediate workforce needs, which will lead to  increased productivity and competitiveness.

Employers looking to benefit from the Shortage Occupation List will still need to have a sponsor licence in place before they can sponsor Skilled Worker visa applicants. The Home Office application process for a sponsor licence can often be time-consuming, so we advise planning ahead.

How Gherson can assist

Gherson’s Immigration Team are highly experienced in advising on UK visa matters. If you have any questions arising from this blog, please do not hesitate to contact us for advice, send us an e-mail, or, alternatively, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn to stay-up-to-date.

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 do not 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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