In a major policy shift aimed at tackling nationwide labour shortages, the United Kingdom has unveiled a new Temporary Shortage List (TSL) featuring 82 mid-skilled occupations open to foreign workers. The move, announced through a report by the Home Office and endorsed by the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC), marks the first phase of a wider immigration review that seeks to align the UK’s labour market needs with its migration strategy.
The initiative is designed to attract international talent in key economic sectors while maintaining control over overall migration levels. The TSL will allow foreign workers to fill critical vacancies across industries ranging from engineering and health to construction, design, and information technology.
Addressing the UK’s Labour Shortage Crisis
According to the Home Office, the introduction of the Temporary Shortage List is part of the government’s broader response to persistent skill gaps that have affected productivity and slowed post-pandemic economic recovery.
Over the past few years, the UK has faced an acute shortage of qualified professionals in several mid-skilled roles. The shortages have been most visible in logistics, healthcare, engineering, and the construction sector.
The MAC report emphasizes that the new list will “help stabilize the UK labour market by allowing employers to recruit foreign workers where local supply is insufficient.”
It further notes that the policy will serve as a “temporary bridge” until long-term solutions, such as workforce training and domestic upskilling programs, begin to yield results.
Overview of the Temporary Shortage List (TSL)
The Temporary Shortage List identifies 82 mid-level jobs across different industries that are eligible for the new visa pathway. This visa allows foreign workers to enter and work in the UK for a period of three to five years. However, unlike the Skilled Worker visa, the TSL does not lead directly to permanent residency.
According to the report, the TSL visa route is targeted at “addressing immediate skill deficits in critical sectors while ensuring that migration remains controlled and responsive to economic demand.”
Applicants under the scheme must possess at least a B1 level of English proficiency, as defined by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
In addition, those wishing to transition to a Skilled Worker visa—classified at the RQF 6 level or higher—must meet a higher English requirement of B2 and satisfy other eligibility conditions.
Key Jobs Available on the UK’s Temporary Shortage List
The newly released list includes a broad range of professional, technical, and skilled trade roles across multiple sectors. Some of the most notable occupations include:
1. Engineering and Technical Roles
- Building and civil engineering technicians
- Laboratory technicians
- Electrical and electronics technicians
- Quality assurance and production planning technicians
2. Construction and Skilled Trades
- Welders, pipe fitters, and metalworkers
- Electricians, plumbers, carpenters, and builders
- Plasterers, painters, and roofers
3. Information Technology and Digital Services
- CAD designers, IT operations technicians, and IT support staff
- Database administrators, IT trainers, and data analysts
- Project support officers and business intelligence professionals
4. Creative and Design Industries
- Artists, authors, translators, and performers
- Interior designers, fashion designers, and multimedia specialists
- Musicians, actors, dancers, and photographers
5. Healthcare and Scientific Roles
- Medical and dental technicians
- Laboratory scientists and diagnostic support staff
- Health and safety managers and inspectors
6. Logistics, Management, and Administration
- Logistics managers and hire service directors
- Financial technicians, credit controllers, and insurance underwriters
- HR officers, marketing professionals, and administrative managers
7. Maritime and Professional Services
- Ship and hovercraft officers
- Legal professionals and consultancy directors
The Home Office emphasized that the roles were identified following an extensive consultation with industry bodies, employers, and labour market experts to ensure they reflect genuine shortages across the UK economy.
Visa Duration, Conditions, and Transition Options
Foreign nationals who qualify for the Temporary Shortage List visa will be granted permission to work in the UK for three to five years, depending on the nature of their employment and contractual terms.
While visa holders under this scheme will not be eligible for welfare benefits, they may switch to higher-skilled positions through the Skilled Worker route after meeting the necessary qualifications and English language benchmarks.
The MAC has recommended that the visa duration should remain flexible within the three-to-five-year range to accommodate industry-specific needs and allow employers sufficient time to address labour gaps.
Fees and Eligibility Requirements
Applications for the Temporary Shortage List visa will fall under the broader Skilled Worker framework in terms of cost structure. This means that applicants and employers will be required to pay:
- Visa Application Fee – covering administrative processing.
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) – granting access to the National Health Service during the visa period.
- Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) – paid by employers to fund domestic training initiatives.
However, the Home Office has hinted that fees for TSL occupations might be “slightly reduced” compared to those under the main Skilled Worker route, as part of efforts to minimize over-reliance on foreign labour while making the process more accessible for essential workers.
The government also plans to review salary thresholds for TSL occupations by December 2025, ensuring that wage levels remain competitive and fair for both domestic and international employees.
Balancing Migration Control and Economic Growth
The UK government has repeatedly stressed that while the TSL opens opportunities for foreign workers, it is not a return to open-ended migration policies. Instead, it is a “targeted, time-bound” measure intended to stabilize industries facing acute shortages.
A spokesperson from the Home Office said, “This new pathway is not about lowering immigration standards—it’s about meeting our immediate economic needs in a way that supports growth and innovation while preserving the integrity of our borders.”
The MAC echoed this sentiment, noting that the scheme “balances labour market flexibility with accountability.” The committee further stated that it will closely monitor employer practices to ensure that foreign workers are not underpaid or exploited.
Economic and Industry Reactions
The announcement has drawn mixed reactions from business leaders and labour unions.
The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) welcomed the move, describing it as a “necessary and pragmatic step” to sustain operations in key sectors.
In a statement, a CBI spokesperson said, “Many industries have been struggling to recruit skilled staff since Brexit and the pandemic. The Temporary Shortage List will help bridge that gap and keep businesses functioning efficiently.”
However, trade unions have urged the government to pair the policy with stronger investments in training British workers.
Frances O’Grady, a former TUC General Secretary, argued that “importing labour should not replace the long-term goal of building a resilient domestic workforce.”
Future Reviews and Long-Term Outlook
The Temporary Shortage List is expected to evolve over time. The second stage of the review, scheduled to begin in July 2026, will determine which occupations remain, are added, or removed from the list.
The MAC has committed to conducting periodic assessments of labour market demand, ensuring that the TSL remains responsive to emerging economic trends.
While the new scheme represents an expansion of foreign work opportunities, it also signals a cautious approach to immigration in post-Brexit Britain—one that seeks to balance economic necessity with political and social realities.
As the UK navigates a complex post-pandemic recovery, the Temporary Shortage List may prove to be a key instrument in ensuring industries have the skills they need—without compromising the government’s pledge to maintain a fair and controlled migration system.
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