Call for Evidence requested for Shortage Occupation List

IMPACT — MEDIUM

The U.K.’s Migration Advisory Committee announced a Call for Evidence in its review of the Shortage Occupation List.

The Call for Evidence seeks to gather employers’ views on:

• Whether the salary requirement for occupations on the Shortage Occupation List should be whichever is higher of the going rate (rather than 20% less than the going rate) or £20,480, subject to a minimum of £10.10 per hour.
• Which occupations on the current Shortage Occupation List should be included or removed.
• Which occupations should be added to the Shortage Occupation List at various skill levels (based on evidence).

Employers’ should submit their evidence before May 26. More information regarding the Call for Evidence is available here.

Additional Information: The MAC considers the data and qualitative evidence from stakeholders and compiles a recommended list of occupations for the Shortage Occupation List; however, the Home Office has the final authority in deciding which occupations are selected. The £20,480 minimum threshold is likely, subject to Parliamentary approval, to be increased to £20,960 as part of the Immigration Rules changes expected on March 9.

BAL Analysis: The Call for Evidence allows employers to provide evidence to include certain occupations on the Shortage Occupation List and to provide evidence of conditions limiting access to foreign workers of all skill levels. Stakeholders are reminded that they must respond to the Call for Evidence before May 26.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

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