Construction and Fishing Jobs Added to Shortage Occupation List
Various jobs in the construction and fishing industries have been added to the Shortage Occupation List, reducing visa application fees and minimum salary requirements.
If an occupation code is included on the Shortage Occupation List, then a worker applying for a Skilled Worker visa using that occupation code will benefit from reduced visa application fees. The worker’s employer will also benefit, via reduced minimum salary requirements, normally at 80% of the occupation code’s ordinary going rate. These reduced immigration costs are meant to incentivise the recruitment of skilled migrant workers to fill labour shortages in the UK.
Following a review by the Migrant Advisory Committee, the Shortage Occupation List is set to be updated to include a host of occupation codes in the construction and fishing industries; industries where, according to the Migrant Advisory Committee, there is a labour shortage which can sensibly be addressed, at least in part, by immigration.
The following construction jobs are being added to the Shortage Occupation List:
- 5312: Bricklayers and masons
- 5313: Roofers, roof tilers and slaters
- 5315: Carpenters and joiners
- 5319: Construction and building trades not elsewhere classified
- 5321: Plasterers
In addition, dryliners are being reclassified to the same occupation code as plasterers, 5321, meaning that dryliners are now eligible to be sponsored for the Skilled Worker route, as well as being included on the Shortage Occupation List.
As for the fishing industry, the following job roles are set to join the Shortage Occupation List:
- 5119 Agriculture and fishing trades not elsewhere classified
- 9119 Fishing and other elementary agriculture occupations not elsewhere classified (only deckhands on large fishing vessels (9 metres and above) where the job requires the worker to have at least 3 years’ full-time experience in using their skills. This experience must not have been gained through working illegally.)
These changes will take effect from 7 August 2023.
If you would like help with applying for or managing your organisation’s sponsor licence, or you need assistance with your sponsored work visa application, please get in touch at [email protected]
