Shortage Occupation List 2024

The Shortage Occupation List has been replaced by the Immigration Salary List (ISL).

The ISL specifies occupations where a reduced general salary threshold is available to Skilled Worker visa applicants.

This article predates the removal of the Shortage Occupation List. Please refer to our guide to the ISL for up to date information about sponsoring workers in shortage roles in the UK. 

 

The UK’s Shortage Occupation List can be a source of much confusion for employers sponsoring visa workers, particularly when hiring under a sponsorship licence for the first time or recruiting for a different type of role.

It is important however for employers, HR professionals and anyone involved in your organisation’s international recruitment to understand the rules and application of the UK’s skills shortage list. Issues or errors when hiring sponsored workers can result in Home Office enforcement, including licence suspensions and curtailed employee visas.

 

Section A: What is the UK’s Shortage Occupation List?

 

Under the UK’s points-based immigration system, most non-UK resident workers must apply for a visa to come to the UK to work. The primary route is the Skilled Worker visa, which replaced the Tier 2 (General) visa. For employers looking to sponsor skilled non-UK resident workers, a number of strict requirements apply in respect of the role being recruited for. To be eligible for this visa, the worker must meet the eligibility requirements, covering criteria such as skills, language and salary requirements.

The shortage occupation list is detailed in Appendix Skilled Occupations of the UK Immigration Rules. It comprises those roles deemed by the UK Government to be in short supply within the UK resident labour market, with such roles afforded lower application fees for sponsored work visa applications.

Recommendations for roles to be included on the list are generally made by the independent Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) with a view to meeting the needs of UK businesses and better reflecting the selective nature of the UK Points Based System and sponsored visa applications. The recommendations may then be accepted by the Government.

 

Section B: Update on the Shortage Occupation List

 

The Shortage Occupation List has been subject to significant reform, and was officially replaced by the Immigration Salary List (ISL) on 4 April 2024.

 

1. Shortage Occupation List v Immigration Salary List

 

While the Shortage Occupation List was previously used to identify roles where there was a shortage of skilled workers in the UK, the ISL takes a different approach. It focuses on specific occupations where there is a significant shortage of labour and allows employers to sponsor overseas workers at a reduced salary threshold. While the SOL offered a 20% discount on the general salary threshold for sponsored workers, the ISL offers a 20% discount on a lower salary threshold. The ISL is also notable shorter, featuring fewer job types than its predecessor.

 

Read more about the Immigration Salary List here >> 

 

 

2. Key Updates

 

In the lead up to its abolition in April 2024, the Shortage Occupation List has been under considerable government scrutiny, with changes including:

 

a. October 2023: the MAC published a detailed report on the UK SOL, the key findings of which we summarise here. As well as putting forward recommendations to add occupations to the list and to remove the going rate discount for SOL roles, the MAC also uses this report to put questions to the government about the future role of the SOL within UK immigration. This includes recommending changing the name of the Shortage Occupation List to the “Immigration Salary Discount List” (ISDL) as a more accurate reflection of its purpose.

 

b. December 2023: the Government announced a 5 point immigration plan which confirmed that the Shortage Occupation List would be replaced with a new ‘Immigration Salary List’. The new list is to retain the general threshold discount, but will not feature the 20% going rate salary discount for shortage occupations. The changes are expected to take effect in Spring 2024.

 

c. January 2024: the Home Office commissioned the MAC to carry out a ‘rapid review’ of the SOL, which is now to be called the Immigration Salary List, with a view to amending the roles on the list and revising relevant salary thresholds.

 

d. February 2024: the MAC is expected to publish its rapid review report by 23 February 2024.

 

e. April 2024: following the MAC rapid review, the Immigration Salary List has replaced the Shortage Occupation List.

 

 

Section C: UK Shortage Occupation List 2024

 

Prior to being abolished, the SOL was made up of two tables, which also specified the Standard Occupational Classification Code (SOC) for each eligible role.

Table 1: Shortage occupations where applicants for entry clearance or permission to stay may be paid 80% of the going rate for the occupation code:

 

Shortage Occupation List – Prior to Abolition in April 2024
Occupation code	Job types included on the shortage occupations list	Areas of the UK where there is a shortage	Annual salary (80% of going rate)
1181	Health services and public health managers and directors – all jobs	England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland	80% of going rate: £33,040 (£16.94 per hour)
1242	Residential, day and domiciliary care managers and proprietors – all jobs	England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland	80% of going rate: £22,640 (£11.61 per hour)
2111	Chemical scientists – only jobs in the nuclear industry	Scotland only	80% of going rate: £22,800 (£11.69 per hour)
2112	Biological scientists and biochemists – all jobs	England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland	80% of going rate: £24,480 (£12.55 per hour)
2113	Physical scientists – only the following jobs in the construction-related ground engineering industry: engineering geologist hydrogeologist geophysicist	England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland	80% of going rate: £26,080 (£13.37 per hour)
2113	Physical scientists – only the following jobs in the oil and gas industry: geophysicist geoscientist geologist geochemist technical services manager in the decommissioning and waste areas of the nuclear industry senior resource geologist and staff geologist in the mining sector	England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland	80% of going rate: £26,080 (£13.37 per hour)
2114	Social and humanities scientists – only archaeologists	England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland	80% of going rate: £20,480 (£10.50 per hour)
2121	Civil engineers – all jobs	England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland	80% of going rate: £27,760 (£14.24 per hour)
2122	Mechanical engineers – all jobs	England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland	80% of going rate: £26,400 (£13.54 per hour)
2123	Electrical engineers – all jobs	England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland	80% of going rate: £31,440 (£16.12 per hour)
2124	Electronics engineers – all jobs	England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland	80% of going rate: £27,120 (£13.91 per hour)
2126	Design and development engineers – all jobs	England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland	80% of going rate: £27,280 (£13.99 per hour)
2127	Production and process engineers – all jobs	England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland	80% of going rate: £25,600 (£13.13 per hour)
2129	Engineering professionals not elsewhere classified – all jobs	England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland	80% of going rate: £26,720 (£13.70 per hour)
2135	IT business analysts, architects and systems designers – all jobs	England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland	80% of going rate: £30,080 (£15.43 per hour)
2136	Programmers and software development professionals – all jobs	England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland	80% of going rate: £27,200 (£13.95 per hour)
2137	Web design and development professionals – all jobs	England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland	80% of going rate: £21,440 (£10.99 per hour)
2139	Information technology and communications professionals not elsewhere classified – only cyber security specialists	England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland	80% of going rate: £25,680 (£13.17 per hour)
2216	Veterinarians – all jobs	England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland	80% of going rate: £26,960 (£13.83 per hour)
2425	Actuaries, economists and statisticians – only bio-informaticians and informaticians	England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland	80% of going rate: £26,880 (£13.78 per hour)
2431	Architects – all jobs	England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland	80% of going rate: £26,320 (£13.50 per hour)
2461	Quality control and planning engineers – all jobs	England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland	80% of going rate: £25,280 (£12.96 per hour)
3111	Laboratory technicians – all jobs	England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland	80% of going rate: £15,120 (£7.75 per hour)
3411	Artists – all jobs	England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland	80% of going rate: £16,400 (£8.41 per hour)
3414	Dancers and choreographers – only skilled classical ballet dancers or skilled contemporary dancers who meet the standard required by internationally recognised UK ballet or contemporary dance companies. The company must be endorsed as being internationally recognised by a UK industry body such as the Arts Councils (of England, Scotland or Wales).	England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland	80% of going rate: £16,960 (£8.70 per hour)
3415	Musicians – only skilled orchestral musicians who are leaders, principals, sub-principals or numbered string positions, and who meet the standard required by internationally recognised UK orchestras. The orchestra must a full member of the Association of British Orchestras.	England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland	80% of going rate: £24,960 (£12.80 per hour)
3416	Arts officers, producers and directors – all jobs	England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland	80% of going rate: £23,360 (£11.98 per hour)
3421	Graphic designers – all jobs	England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland	80% of going rate: £18,400 (£9.44 per hour)
5119	Agriculture and fishing trades not elsewhere classified – only jobs in the fishing industry	England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland	80% of going rate: £17,600 (£9.03 per hour)
5215	Welding trades – only high integrity pipe welders, where the job requires 3 or more years’ related on-the-job experience. This experience must not have been gained through illegal working.	England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland	80% of going rate: £18,480 (£9.48 per hour)
5312	Bricklayers and masons – all jobs	England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland	80% of going rate: £18,640 (£9.56 per hour)
5313	Roofers, roof tilers and slaters – all jobs	England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland	80% of going rate: £16,160 (£8.29 per hour)
5315	Carpenters and joiners – all jobs	England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland	80% of going rate: £18,000 (£9.23 per hour)
5319	Construction and building trades not elsewhere classified – all jobs	England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland	80% of going rate: £17,760 (£9.11 per hour)
5321	Plasterers – all jobs	England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland	80% of going rate: £19,200 (£9.85 per hour)
6145	Care workers and home carers – private households or individuals (other than sole traders sponsoring someone to work for their business) cannot sponsor Skilled Worker applicants	England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland	No going rate – the salary must be at least £20,960 per year or £10.75 per hour
6146	Senior care workers – all jobs	England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland	80% of going rate: £14,880 (£7.63 per hour)
9119	Fishing and other elementary agriculture occupations not elsewhere classified – only deckhands on large fishing vessel (9 metres and above).  The job must require 3 or more years’ full-time experience.  This experience must not have been gained through illegal working.	England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland	80% of going rate: £14,400 (£7.38 per hour)

 

 

Table 2: Shortage occupations in eligible health and education occupation codes where going rates are based on national pay scales:

Shortage Occupation List – Prior to Abolition in April 2024 shortage occupations in eligible health and education occupation codes where going rates are based on national pay scales
Occupation code	Job types included on the shortage occupations list	Areas of the UK where there is a shortage
2211	Medical practitioners – all jobs	England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland
2212	Psychologists – all jobs	England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland
2213	Pharmacists – all jobs	England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland
2217	Medical radiographers – all jobs (including radiotherapy practitioners / technologists)	England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland
2219	Health professionals not elsewhere classified – all jobs	England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland
2221	Physiotherapists – all jobs	England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland
2222	Occupational therapists – all jobs	England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland
2223	Speech and language therapists – all jobs	England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland
2231	Nurses – all jobs	England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland
2314	Secondary education teaching professionals – only teachers in maths, physics, science (where an element of physics will be taught), computer science and modern foreign languages	England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland
2314	Secondary education teaching professionals – only teachers in Gaelic	Scotland only
2315	Primary and nursery education teaching professionals – only Gaelic medium teachers	Scotland only
2442	Social workers – all jobs	England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland
3213	Paramedics – all jobs	England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland
6141	Nursing auxiliaries and assistants – all jobs	England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland

 

 

Section D: Summary

 

The Shortage Occupation List (SOL) was a pivotal component of the UK’s Skilled Worker visa system. It outlined specific occupations where there was a documented shortage of skilled workers, making it easier for UK employers to sponsor overseas talent to fill these vacancies. Roles on the SOL were considered to be in high demand, making it easier for employers to secure a visa for a foreign worker.

However, the UK government introduced a significant change on 4 April 2024, replacing the SOL with the Immigration Salary List (ISL). This shift marked a departure from focusing solely on specific occupations and instead emphasises salary thresholds as a primary criterion for visa eligibility. While the ISL still targets sectors with labour shortages, its approach is more broadly focused, aiming to attract high-skilled workers to the UK economy.

 

Section E: Need Assistance?

 

DavidsonMorris specialises in guiding employers through the UK immigration rules to meet their recruitment needs. The list is subject to frequent change; as roles are removed and added to the list, employers have to ensure they are up to date on the latest status of the list and the impact on recruitment activity.

For advice on the Immigration Salary List, including how this works as a replacement for the shortage occupation list, its implications on your recruitment processes, visa eligibility, assigning SOC codes or any issue relating to hiring points-based visa workers, contact us.

 

Section F: Shortage Occupation List FAQs

 

What is shortage occupation list?

The Shortage Occupation List was operated by the UK Government as a schedule of skilled occupations deemed to be in short supply in the UK, allowing more favourable sponsored visa criteria. The Shortage Occupation List was replaced in April 2024 by the Immigration Salary List.

 

Why was the SOL replaced with the Immigration Salary List (ISL)?

The SOL was replaced with the Immigration Salary List (ISL) on 4 April 2024 to shift the focus from specific occupations to salary thresholds. The ISL aims to attract highly skilled workers across a broader range of sectors by prioritising higher salary levels.

 

How does the Immigration Salary List (ISL) work?

The ISL focuses on salary thresholds rather than specific occupations. To be eligible for a Skilled Worker visa under the ISL, a job must meet certain salary criteria, ensuring that the UK attracts highly skilled workers who are compensated at a competitive level.

 

Do salary thresholds apply to all sectors under the ISL?

Yes, the ISL applies salary thresholds across various sectors. However, the specific threshold may vary depending on the sector and the nature of the job. The goal is to attract high-skilled talent while addressing labour market needs.

 

Are there still specific jobs targeted by the ISL?

While the ISL places emphasis on salary thresholds, it still considers sectors with labour shortages. However, it does not target specific occupations as the SOL did. Instead, the ISL aims to ensure that roles requiring high levels of skill and experience are filled by workers earning competitive salaries.

 

What happens to roles that were on the SOL but do not meet ISL salary thresholds?

Roles that were previously on the SOL but do not meet the new ISL salary thresholds may no longer qualify for easier visa sponsorship for new applications. Employers will need to ensure that any roles they wish to sponsor meet the required salary levels under the ISL.

 

How can employers adapt to the changes introduced by the ISL?

Employers should review their salary structures to ensure they meet the thresholds set by the ISL. It may also be necessary to reassess recruitment strategies and consider offering more competitive salaries to attract the talent needed under the new system.

 

Will the ISL impact existing visa holders who were sponsored under the SOL?

The ISL primarily affects new visa applications and sponsorships. Existing visa holders who were sponsored under the SOL should not be directly impacted, but employers may need to be aware of the new criteria for any future visa renewals or new hires.

 

Section G: Glossary

 

 

Term	Definition
Shortage Occupation List (SOL)	A former component of the UK’s Skilled Worker visa system that identified specific occupations with a documented shortage of skilled workers, allowing easier visa sponsorship for those roles.
Skilled Worker Visa	A visa category in the UK that allows employers to sponsor skilled workers from overseas to fill roles that meet specific criteria, including salary thresholds and, previously, being on the SOL.
Immigration Salary List (ISL)	The list that replaced the SOL on 4 April 2024, shifting the focus from specific occupations to salary thresholds as the primary criterion for visa eligibility, aimed at attracting highly skilled workers.
Salary Threshold	The minimum salary level required for a job to be eligible for visa sponsorship under the ISL, reflecting the UK government’s emphasis on attracting high earners and skilled professionals.
Labour Shortages	Sectors or occupations where there is a recognised lack of skilled workers, previously addressed through the SOL and now through the ISL.
Visa Sponsorship	The process by which a UK employer supports an overseas worker’s application for a visa, ensuring they meet the necessary criteria, such as those outlined in the ISL.
UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI)	The division of the UK Home Office responsible for managing the country’s visa system, including the implementation of the SOL and ISL.
High-Skilled Workers	Professionals with advanced skills, qualifications, and experience who are targeted by the ISL to support the UK economy.
Eligibility Criteria	The specific requirements that must be met for a job to qualify for visa sponsorship, including salary thresholds and, previously, occupation shortages.
Labour Market Impact	The effect that labour shortages or the introduction of skilled workers has on the UK economy, considered when developing policies like the SOL and ISL.

 

 

Section H: Additional Resources

 

UK Government – Skilled Worker Visa
https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa
Provides comprehensive guidance on the Skilled Worker visa, including eligibility criteria, application processes, and sponsorship requirements.

 

UK Government – Immigration Rules
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration-rules
Access the full text of the UK Immigration Rules, which outline the legal framework for all immigration categories, including those related to the Immigration Salary List.

 

UK Government – Shortage Occupation List Archive
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/skilled-worker-visa-shortage-occupations
Historical reference to the occupations that were listed on the Shortage Occupation List before it was replaced by the Immigration Salary List.

 

UK Government – Immigration Salary List
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/skilled-worker-visa-immigration-salary-list/skilled-worker-visa-immigration-salary-list
Official information on the Immigration Salary List, detailing how salary thresholds are applied for visa eligibility under the new system.

 

Home Office – UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI)
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-visas-and-immigration
The official site for UK Visas & Immigration, offering resources and updates on visa categories, immigration policies, and the application process.

 

Migration Advisory Committee (MAC)
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/migration-advisory-committee
Independent, non-departmental public body that advises the UK government on migration issues, including labour shortages and immigration policy.