Irregularities in UK immigration 'skills shortage list' force review
April 29 2009 by Gareth McConnell
The Migration Advisory Committee, the UK government’s key advisor on changes to the skills shortage list has advised UK immigration to make updates to combat irregularities in the job market.
As the construction industry faces a downturn, quantity surveyors and construction managers face the chop whilst orchestral musicians, computer animators and dancers should be added.
“We have looked critically at the evidence regarding the occupations under review and made recommendations which balance the needs of the UK workforce against those of employers,” said Professor David Metcaff, Chair of the Committee.
"It is important to note that some shortages of skilled labour will still exist in a recession. This can be where there is a long-term structural shortage of skilled workers, where workers provide key public services, or in areas such as culture where the United Kingdom needs to maintain global leadership,” he added.
The review also includes revising medical and health related occupations and the criteria by which care assistants, home carers and chefs are defined as skilled.
The changes will only apply to Tier 2 work permits of the points based system (PBS) and still leaves 530,000 jobs in the UK to be filled from highly skilled workers.
UK immigration will announce their decision at a later date.
See the latest Immigration News
