UK construction industry’s requests for better access to foreign workers have been heard

Construction Leadership Council’s (CLC) calls for specific jobs to be added to the shortage occupation list reflected in the UK’s 2023 spring budget.

Recently we have published a blog outlining the CLC’s request made to the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC), that specific occupations be added to the Home Office list of shortage occupation roles to address the acute shortage in various areas of the construction sector. 

The shortage occupation list is curated by the Home Office, on advice of the MAC, and serves to facilitate easier migration of workers in specific areas of the UK economy where the number of available workers is outstripped by demand. Employers will benefit from reduced salary thresholds and lower application fees than would otherwise be the case.

The MAC will include 5 construction roles the shortage occupation list as a matter of urgency, specifically:

1. Bricklayers and masons;
2. Carpenters and joiners;
3. Roofers, roof tillers and slaters;
4. Plasters and dryliners; and
5. Construction and building trades not elsewhere classified.

Further construction roles such as scaffolders and steel erectors could be added to the list later in 2023, when the MAC has completed their full review of the shortage occupation list.  

A similar request by the hospitality sector has also been made; however, this request has not been reflected in the recent budget. 

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