The lengthy examination of the shortage occupation list by the Migration Advisory Committee has now been made public.
In response to worries about potential foreign worker exploitation and undercutting of the UK labor market, the MAC has made a number of key proposals for change. Below, we discuss the main suggestions.
What exactly does the “SOL” mean?
The SOL is a list of positions identified as being under-represented in the UK and for which immigration is an effective strategy to address those under-represented. Currently, the SOL includes 15 occupations in the health and education sectors based on national pay scales, one role for Scotland alone, and 37 occupation categories for the entire UK. The most recent SOL is available at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration-rules/immigration-rules-appendix-shortage-occupation-list.
What advantages does the SOL presently offer employers?
With the aid of foreign employees, the SOL is designed to make it easier for employers to fill vacancies in the UK labor market.
All positions on the SOL, except for Care Workers and Home Carers, are already eligible for skilled worker visas, which makes it the most common way for foreigners to enter the UK labor market. Only individuals on the SOL are eligible for such visas, including care workers and home carers.
Smaller visa fees provide an extra financial advantage. For instance, the cost of applying for a skilled worker visa in the UK for a period of up to three years is £827; for visas of more than three years, the fee is £1,500. Costs are reduced to £551 and $1,084 if the role is on the SOL. Those requesting health and care visas can pay even reduced fees.
What SOL modifications has the MAC advised?
- Taking away the going rate discount.
The MAC advises the removal of the going rate discount. Therefore, the annual salary for SOL jobs would have to be £20,960 or the full going rate, whichever is higher.
- A shorter SOL
The MAC suggests a smaller set of 8 UK-wide roles and 2 Scotland-specific responsibilities:
Scotland:
- Owners and managers in the fields of forestry, fishing, and allied activities (exclusively fishing boat masters)
- Builders and repairers of boats and ships
The UK:
- surgical technologists (new restriction: only those with three or more years of full-time experience)
- pharmacists’ assistants
- Masons and builders
- Slaters, roofers, and tilers
- Building and construction trades not otherwise classed (limited to “retrofitters” – a recent restriction)
- Jobs related to animal care services that aren’t otherwise classified as “race grooms,” “stallion handlers,” “stud grooms,” “stud hands,” “stud handlers,” or “work riders.”
- Care providers and in-home carers
- Senior carers
The industries that have been hardest hurt by COVID-19 and Brexit, like manufacturing, retail, and hospitality, are not represented on this suggested list. Interestingly, not every function that was added to the SOL in July 2023 for construction and fishing is on this list. Not only that but a lot of the roles that our clients often sponsor are not listed on the SOL. Examples include programmers and software development specialists, biochemists, veterinarians, and civil, Mechanical, electrical, and electronics engineers. This isn’t always the case, though; frequently, these roles will pay the current rate without the need for a discount.
Certain roles will still be eligible for skilled worker visas if the SOL is changed as suggested, but they still need to meet the undiscounted wage standards unless there are other tradeable points available. Furthermore, when hiring foreign nationals into such roles, visa applicants (or employers who cover the costs of the visa) will have to pay higher visa fees.
The going rate discount should be eliminated, and this serves as a major basis for the drastically lowered SOL. Included on the SOL would no longer be beneficial for any position whose going rate is above the general threshold, should that be enacted.
- Re-naming
The “Immigration Salary Discount List” is the new name that the MAC has proposed for the SOL.
- Eliminating the SOL
The MAC has suggested that the SOL be eventually completely repealed or significantly changed since, in general, it does not believe that the SOL fulfills its intended objective of alleviating labor shortages.
Additional Read: The Departure of More than 500,000 Workers Put the UK Economy in Danger.
What more recommendations has the MAC made?
Another noteworthy and important recommendation is are
Expansion of the Youth Mobility Scheme: An investigation is being conducted. Several parties who participated in the MAC’s consultation have expressed hope that this might help with some of their hiring difficulties.
Creative Workers: To prevent the route from being used to pay lower salaries than necessary for the identical tasks under the skilled worker route, the resident labor market test requirement for creative worker visas should be removed, and a minimum income threshold should be established.
Asylum Seekers: Reducing the limitations on their ability to work. Only jobs on the SOL are allowed for individuals whose asylum case has been pending for at least a year in the UK. The MAC suggests that they be allowed to work in any capacity, or at least roles that qualify for skilled worker visas, rather than being limited to SOL roles.
Hospitality: Reclassification of sommeliers to RQF3 will allow them to apply for skilled worker visas (for those with three years or more of experience). However, it has not been suggested that they be added to the SOL.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, the shortage occupation list has been a vital tool for employers in the UK to fill critical job vacancies with skilled workers from overseas. However, with Brexit and the end of free movement, the future of the list is uncertain. The government’s plans to introduce a new points-based immigration system could further reduce the number of eligible workers on the list.
We at Dynamic Staffing Services recognize the importance of attracting and retaining skilled workers to boost the economy and support businesses in the UK. We understand the challenges that employers face in finding the right talent and filling critical roles. We provide a variety of recruitment options in order to assist companies in navigating this ever-evolving environment.
Our team of experts can guide you in navigating the new immigration system, sourcing talent from overseas, and filling roles that are not on the shortage occupation list. We utilize our extensive network and expertise to ensure that employers have access to the best candidates for their organization.
We are positive about the future of talent acquisition in the UK, notwithstanding the obstacles. With the right strategies in place and a commitment to finding innovative solutions, we believe that businesses can continue to thrive and grow. At Dynamic Staffing Services, we are committed to supporting employers in this endeavor and helping them overcome any obstacles that come their way. To learn more about our services and how we can help you, call us at +44-7477196844 or email enquiry@dss-hr.co.uk.
Contact us today: Dynamic Staffing Services!
