The Migration
Advisory Committee (MAC) has published its review
of the shortage occupation list (SOL).
Alongside some
occupations which have been added to the list – including architects – many
have been expanded to include all roles within that occupation.
This means the SOL
will cover around 9% of jobs in the labour market, compared to one per cent
under the previous list.
RIBA President, Ben
Derbyshire, said: “Ensuring that the UK has access to international
architectural skills and talent is a key focus for the RIBA. 25% of architects
registered in the UK are international – the vast majority of whom are from the
EU. Since the referendum, the sector has experienced a drop-off in the number
of the EU architects coming to the UK, which is having an impact on
recruitment.
"It is
encouraging that the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has accepted our
recommendation to include architects on the Shortage Occupation List. This is a
positive development for architects trying to navigate the UK’s complex and
burdensome immigration system.
"We will
continue to urge the MAC to drop their £30,000 suggested salary threshold, as
we are concerned that it will lock out young talent, especially outside of
London. This is a critical time for our country and our sector - we urgently
need an approach to immigration that attracts a broad range of international
talent.”
The MAC also
recommends a review of what role the SOL would play in a future immigration
system.
MAC Chair Professor
Alan Manning said today’s labour market is very different to the one reviewed
when the last SOL was published in 2013.
"Unemployment
is lower and employers in various industries are facing difficulties in finding
skilled people to fill their vacancies," he added. "That is why we
have recommended expanding the SOL to cover a range of occupations in health, information
and engineering fields.
"However, our
recommendations are clearly only applicable under the current immigration
system, while EU free movement remains. We are recommending a full review of
the SOL once there is a clearer picture of what the future immigration system
will look like."
The review’s other
recommendations include:
- a consideration of
medium-skilled occupations which may become eligible for the SOL in the
future system
- the inclusion of Gaelic
teachers in the Scotland-only SOL
- pilots to expand the
evidence-base on what might work in migration policy for remote
communities
- removing the restriction on
chef visas, which currently excludes those offering a takeaway service.
This is in recognition of the changing nature of the hospitality sector
and with the aim of future-proofing the list.
Jane Gratton, Head
of People Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said: “Expanding
the Shortage Occupation List will help businesses access the skills they need
when they can’t recruit locally. Listing occupations, rather that job titles,
simplifies the system and gives welcome flexibility to those hiring for new or
emerging roles.
“But the ending of
free movement will present significant costs and challenges for employers.
Businesses continue to raise concerns about proposals for rigid salary
thresholds, time restrictions for lower skilled workers, and the extension of
the Immigration Skills Charge – all of which will ramp up costs and worsen
recruitment difficulties.
“Our research shows
that three-quarters of firms are currently unable to find the talent they need,
and vacancies are being left unfilled. Employers know they must invest more in
the skills of the future, but people development does not happen overnight,
particularly as the UK’s training system is not yet fully fit for purpose.
Until then, businesses need an efficient, light-touch and cost-effective system
that provides ongoing access to skills from around the world.”
