In the dynamic landscape of employment sponsorship, understanding the intricacies of the UK Shortage Occupation List (“SOL”) is crucial for employers aiming to recruit skilled workers. The SOL serves as a compass, delineating occupations where the UK faces a dearth of skilled labour. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the nuances of the UK Shortage Occupation List 2024, shedding light on the intricacies of sponsorship and the key occupations in demand.
Understanding the Shortage Occupation List: A Gateway to Streamlined Sponsorship
The Shortage Occupation List is a curated compilation of occupations where the UK is grappling with a shortage of skilled workers. Recommendations for this list are provided by the Migration Advisory Committee (“MAC”), which regularly reviews and updates the roster. Employers sponsoring workers for jobs listed on the SOL enjoy certain advantages, such as a reduced visa application fee and flexibility with salary thresholds.
For a job to be eligible for the SOL, the occupation’s salary must meet or exceed £20,960 per year, £10.75 per hour, or 80% of the going rate for the specific occupation code. This rate represents the minimum salary considered appropriate for a given role. The job’s inclusion in the SOL must be confirmed in the Certificate of Sponsorship, streamlining the visa application process.
Spring 2024 Increase to the Minimum Salary Threshold
One significant change is the substantial increase in the minimum salary for a Skilled Worker visa, jumping almost 50% from £26,200 to £38,700. While Health and Care visas will be exempt, concerns linger over the potential strain on employers, especially in regions with lower median earnings. Calls for regional salary thresholds to address local skills shortages have gone unanswered, raising questions about the government’s commitment to “levelling up” the country.
As of the tax year ending on April 5, 2023, the median annual earnings for full-time employees across the UK stood at £34,963, highlighting regional income disparities. This shift in salary requirements will undoubtedly lead to a substantial increase in ongoing costs for employers sponsoring migrant workers, coupled with the upcoming 67% surge in the immigration health surcharge in January 2024.
Navigating SOC Codes: A Crucial Step in the Sponsorship Process
Choosing the correct Standard Occupational Classification (“SOC”) code is paramount for successful sponsorship. Employers can refer to the Office for National Statistics website to access detailed job descriptions, tasks, and entry requirements, facilitating the identification of the most appropriate SOC code. Failure to select the correct SOC code may lead to delays or even refusal of the worker’s visa application.
The UK Shortage Occupation List 2024: In-Demand Occupations
The UK Shortage Occupation List for 2024 encompasses a diverse array of occupations, spread across various sectors. Here is a detailed breakdown of some key occupations on the list:
Table 1: Shortage Occupation List Jobs
| Occupation Code | Occupation Title |
|---|---|
| 1181 | Health services and public health managers and directors |
| 1242 | Residential, day and domiciliary care managers and proprietors |
| 6145 | Care workers and home carers |
| 6146 | Senior care workers |
| 2111 | Chemical scientists in the nuclear industry |
| 2112 | Biological scientists and biochemists |
| 2113 | Physical scientists in construction-related ground engineering industry |
| 2113 | Physical scientists in the oil and gas industry |
| 2121 | Civil engineers |
| 2135 | IT business analysts, architects, and systems designers |
| 5215 | Welding trades – high integrity pipe welders |
Table 2: Health and Education Occupations
| Occupation Code | Occupation Title |
|---|---|
| 2211 | Medical practitioners |
| 2212 | Psychologists |
| 2232 | Nurses |
| 3213 | Paramedics |
| 2221 | Physiotherapists |
| 2314 | Secondary education teaching professionals |
| 2442 | Social workers |
Additional Noteworthy Occupations
- Construction Sector:
- Bricklayers and masons
- Roofers, roof tilers, and slaters
- Carpenters and joiners
- Plasterers (including dryliners)
- Fishing Industry:
- Deckhands on large fishing vessels (9 metres and above) with at least 3 years’ full-time experience
- Professional Services/Medicine/Other Trades:
- Veterinarians
- Actuaries, economists, and statisticians (limited to Bio-informaticians and Informaticians)
- Architects
- Laboratory technicians
- Welding trades – high integrity pipe welders (with 3 or more years’ related on-the-job experience)
- Various roles in the creative sector, including artists, dancers, musicians, and arts officers.
New Addition to the Shortage Occupation List: Care Workers and Home Carers (6145)
An important update to the UK Shortage Occupation List 2024 is the inclusion of occupation code 6145 – Care workers and home carers. This addition acknowledges the pressing need for skilled professionals in the care sector, encompassing roles such as Care assistant, Care worker, Carer, Home care assistant, Home carer, and Support worker (nursing home).
It is crucial to note that private households or individuals (other than sole traders sponsoring someone to work for their business) cannot sponsor Skilled Worker applicants. This restriction is in place to ensure that sponsorship aligns with organisational needs and genuine labour market demands.
Conclusion: Leveraging the Shortage Occupation List for Strategic Hiring
In conclusion, the UK Shortage Occupation List for 2024 provides a roadmap for employers seeking to navigate the intricacies of sponsorship. By aligning with the listed occupations and adhering to the prescribed guidelines, employers can streamline the hiring process, tapping into a pool of skilled workers and contributing to the growth of their organisations. Stay informed, choose the right SOC codes, and unlock the potential for success in the competitive landscape of skilled labour acquisition.
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