Review of the Shortage Occupation List (SOL)

The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has launched a call for evidence to hear organisations' views on the roles that are being filled by migrant workers, the salaries they are paid, and the implications of potential changes. Read full details on the Shortage Occupation List: call for evidence 2023 and note the deadline for submissions of 26^th May.

Shortage Occupation List (SOL)

• The responses to the call for evidence will facilitate the review of the SOL. The SOL is a list of skilled worker jobs that the UK government deems to be in short supply. For jobs on the SOL, the immigration rules for work visas are relaxed, making it easier for overseas workers with the relevant skills to come to the UK.

• The SOL is the official list of skilled occupations - defined as roles where the qualification required is at RQFL3 (A-Level equivalent) or above - which have been assessed by the MAC to be in shortage and it's deemed sensible to fill those shortages with migrant workers through a Skilled Worker Visa.

• The Home Office periodically commissions the MAC to recommend which jobs should be placed on the SOL, taking into account labour market data such as pay, vacancy rates, employment figures, and stakeholder evidence. The MAC presents those findings to the Home Office and it is for the UK government to decide whether to accept the recommendations.

• This is a major review, meaning the MAC will accept evidence for certain roles should the evidence indicate the occupation is in shortage. Roles currently on the SOL will also require evidence to remain on the list, with the exception for roles in the social care sector.

• Significantly, the MAC will also accept evidence for roles in shortage below RQFL3 if there is compelling evidence of severe or unexpected shortage – or if there is evidence to suggest an occupation requires substantial training/qualifications and prior experience.
  
  SCC intend to make a submission to the consultation on behalf of the Chamber Network in Scotland and will engage with a variety of different stakeholders in order to inform aspects of the submission. We know that access to labour and associated labour costs are posing one of the most significant challenges to Scottish businesses at this time.