When hiring under a sponsorship licence for the first time or recruiting for a different kind of employment, the UK’s Shortage Occupation List can be a major source of difficulty for firms sponsoring visa workers. On the other hand, employers, HR specialists, and anybody else involved in your company’s foreign hiring must comprehend the guidelines and implementation of the UK’s skills shortage list. The Home Office may enforce penalties, such as licence suspensions and restricted employee visas, for problems or mistakes made when recruiting sponsored workers.
What is the UK’s SOL?
For most non-UK residents seeking employment in the country, the UK’s Shortage Occupation List is a key factor. They must apply for a visa under the points-based immigration system, with the skilled worker visa being the primary route since the Tier 2 (General) visa was replaced. This visa has strict conditions for the position being filled, which firms sponsoring non-UK resident workers must adhere to. The employee must meet all eligibility criteria, including language, skill, and pay requirements, to be granted this visa.
The UK Immigration Rules’ Appendix Skilled Occupations contains an extensive list of shortage occupations. This category includes jobs that the UK government believes are in high demand in the labour market for UK residents. These jobs are eligible for reduced application costs when applying for sponsored work visas.
Generally speaking, the impartial Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) makes recommendations for positions to be listed in order to accommodate UK companies’ demands and more accurately represent the selective nature of sponsored visa applications and the UK Points-Based System. Then, the government can decide to adopt the suggestions.
Additional Read: UK Employers Hustle to File Skilled Worker Visas Prior to Fee Spike
Most Recent Revisions to the Shortage Occupation List
The Home Office released the most recent version of the Shortage Occupation List in August 2023. But in light of important policy developments, such as the following, considerable revisions to the list and the roles it includes are anticipated in the upcoming months.
- We have summarised the main conclusions of a comprehensive report on the UK SOL published by the MAC in October 2023. The MAC uses the report to ask questions of the government regarding the future role of the SOL in UK immigration, in addition to making proposals to add occupations to the list and remove the going rate discount for role-specific labour. In order to better reflect the Shortage Occupation List’s intended use, it is suggested that the list be renamed the “Immigration Salary Discount List” (ISDL).
- A new “Immigration Salary List” would replace the Shortage Occupation List, as the government affirmed in a five-point immigration plan released in December 2023. Though absent from the new list is the 20% going rate pay reduction for shortage vocations, the general threshold discount will still be available. Early in 2024, the modifications are anticipated to go into effect.
- In January 2024, the Home Office hired the MAC to conduct a “rapid review” of the SOL, which is now to be known as the Immigration Pay List, to change the roles on the list and update pertinent pay thresholds.
- By February 2024, the MAC is expected to release its speedy review report.
- A new Immigration Salary List is anticipated to take effect in April 2024 as part of the Spring Immigration Rules, subsequent to the MAC’s immediate review.
In summary, the shortage occupation list for 2024 highlights the need for skilled workers in various industries. While this may present challenges for employers, it also creates opportunities for job seekers who possess these in-demand skills.
At Dynamic Staffing Services, we understand the importance of connecting qualified candidates with the right job opportunities. With our extensive experience and expertise in staffing and recruitment, we can help both employers and job seekers navigate the changing job market and find the perfect match.
Contact us today at +44-7477196844 or email enquiry@dss-hr.co.uk to learn more about how we can help you in achieving your staffing or career goals!
Visit our website today: Dynamic Staffing Services!
