Shreyashi Pathak Study Abroad Content Specialist
Study Abroad Content Specialist
The UK Skill Shortage Occupation List is a list of jobs that are in high demand in the UK but have a shortage of skilled workers. These roles are harder to fill with local talent, so the UK government allows employers to hire workers from outside the country more easily for these positions. In fact, as of UK government data of 2024, 2,569,100 workers, or 7.8% of the UK’s working-age population, are employed in critical demand occupations, with 82.5% of these workers holding qualifications below degree level. This highlights the urgent need for foreign workers to help fill these gaps in sectors like healthcare, engineering, IT, and teaching. If a job is on this list, it makes it simpler for foreign workers to get a visa to work in the UK, helping to fill the gap where there aren't enough qualified workers available locally.
Also check – Popular Job Sectors in UK: Jobs, Salary & Top Recruiters
UK Skill Shortage Occupation List
The table below shows the UK Skill Shortage Occupation List with their sectors, SOC codes, and salary details.
| Occupation | SOC Code | Sector | Salary Threshold |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical Practitioners | 2211 | Healthcare | £25,000 - £80,000+ |
| Registered Nurses | 2231 | Healthcare | £22,000 - £30,000+ |
| Social Workers | 2442 | Social Services | £24,000 - £35,000 |
| Secondary Education Teaching Professionals | 2314 | Education | £24,000 - £40,000 |
| Civil Engineers | 2121 | Engineering | £28,000 - £45,000 |
| Mechanical Engineers | 2122 | Engineering | £28,000 - £45,000 |
| Electrical Engineers | 2123 | Engineering | £28,000 - £45,000 |
| IT Business Analysts | 2135 | Information Technology | £30,000 - £50,000+ |
| Programmers and Software Development Professionals | 2136 | Information Technology | £30,000 - £50,000+ |
| Graphic Designers | 3421 | Creative & Design | £22,000 - £35,000 |
| Chefs | 5434 | Hospitality | £18,000 - £30,000+ |
| Veterinarians | 2216 | Healthcare | £30,000 - £45,000 |
| Medical Radiographers | 2217 | Healthcare | £25,000 - £40,000 |
| Secondary Education Teaching Professionals in STEM Subjects | 2314 | Education | £24,000 - £40,000 |
| Paramedics | 3213 | Healthcare | £22,000 - £35,000 |
| Pharmacists | 2213 | Healthcare | £25,000 - £40,000 |
| Secondary School Teachers (Modern Foreign Languages) | 2314 | Education | £24,000 - £40,000 |
| Physiotherapists | 2221 | Healthcare | £22,000 - £35,000 |
| Midwives | 2232 | Healthcare | £25,000 - £38,000 |
| Health and Care Professionals (e.g., Occupational Therapists) | 2219 | Healthcare | £22,000 - £40,000 |
| Biological Scientists and Biochemists | 2112 | Science and Research | £30,000 - £45,000 |
| IT and Software Engineering Specialists | 2136 | Information Technology | £30,000 - £55,000 |
| Structural Engineers | 2121 | Engineering | £28,000 - £50,000 |
| Architects | 2431 | Architecture | £30,000 - £50,000 |
| Health Services Managers | 1181 | Healthcare Management | £28,000 - £45,000 |
Also check - Skilled Work Visa for UK
Pros and Cons Of Working Under the UK Skill Shortage Occupation List
Pros
- Easier Visa Process
The Skilled Worker Visa for shortage occupations is quicker and simpler to obtain.
- Higher Chances of Getting a Job
There are more job opportunities due to the high demand for skilled workers in shortage occupations.
- Lower Salary Thresholds
Salary requirements for roles on the shortage list are often lower, making it easier to qualify for a visa.
- Long-Term Career Opportunities
Working in shortage occupations increases the likelihood of career advancement in the UK.
- Path to Permanent Residency
After five years of work, students can apply for permanent residency, offering long-term security.
Cons
- High Cost of Living
The UK’s cost of living, especially in cities like London, can be expensive and strain finances.
- Visa and Work Restrictions
The visa ties students to their sponsoring employer, limiting job flexibility.
- Limited Job Flexibility
Switching jobs or industries requires a new visa application, which can be cumbersome.
- Competing for Jobs with Locals
Indian students may still face competition from local candidates for the same positions.
Top Professions on the UK Skill Shortage Occupation List
The table below shows some of the top professions on the UK skill shortage occupation list:
| Occupation | SOC Code | Sector | Job Description | Salary Threshold | Eligible for Skilled Worker Visa |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medical Practitioners | 2211 | Healthcare | Doctors in specialties like General Medicine, Surgery, etc. | £25,000+ | Yes |
| Registered Nurses | 2231 | Healthcare | Nurses in hospitals and care settings | £20,000+ | Yes |
| Social Workers | 2442 | Social Services | Professionals working in social care and welfare roles | £20,000+ | Yes |
| IT Business Analysts | 2135 | Information Technology | Analysts supporting IT systems and business operations | £23,000+ | Yes |
| Civil Engineers | 2131 | Engineering | Engineers working on infrastructure projects (roads, bridges) | £25,000+ | Yes |
| Secondary Education Teaching | 2314 | Education | Teachers for secondary schools in subjects like maths & science | £24,000+ | Yes |
| Chefs | 5434 | Hospitality | Experienced chefs working in various cuisines | £20,000+ | Yes |
| Electrical Engineers | 2123 | Engineering | Engineers working with electrical systems and equipment | £25,000+ | Yes |
| Software Developers | 2136 | Information Technology | Developers building and maintaining software applications | £25,000+ | Yes |
| Health Professionals | 2219 | Healthcare | Includes physiotherapists, occupational therapists, etc. | £22,000+ | Yes |
Eligibility Criteria for Working Under the UK Skill Shortage Occupation List
The table below shows the key requirements and details needed to work in the UK under the shortage occupation list:
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Job Listed on SOL | The role must be included on the UK Skill Shortage Occupation List. |
| Job Offer | You must have a confirmed job offer from a UK employer. |
| Licensed Employer | The employer offering the job must be registered with the UK Home Office as a licensed sponsor. |
| Skilled Worker Visa | A Skilled Worker Visa application is necessary to work in the UK. |
| Salary Threshold | Roles on the shortage list typically have a lower salary threshold, like £20,960 for Paramedics, Health and Care Workers and Secondary Education Teachers. |
| Skill Level | Jobs usually require skills equivalent to RQF Level 3 (A-levels or above, such as technicians or assistants). |
| English Language | You must prove your ability to speak, read, write, and understand English through tests like IELTS (4.0+) or TOEFL (30-34). |
| Relevant Experience | Some roles like Civil Engineers, Veterinarians and Chefs may demand prior experience in the field. |
| Qualifications | For certain roles (like healthcare or teaching), specific qualifications are mandatory. |
| Certificate of Sponsorship | The employer must provide a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to confirm the job offer. |
| Visa Application Fee | The fee varies, but it’s typically lower for shortage occupations. |
| Immigration Health Surcharge | Workers must pay the surcharge for accessing healthcare, though some healthcare roles may be exempt. |
| No Self-Employment | Self-employed or freelance roles do not qualify under the shortage occupation list. |
| Path to Residency | Working in an eligible role may lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain after five years. |
Also check - Jobs in UK with Visa Sponsorship
Recent Updates to the UK Skill Shortage Occupation List
The UK government recently made major changes to the Skill Shortage Occupation List (SOL) to address labor shortages while reducing reliance on immigration. Here’s a quick summary:
- Abolishment of the SOL (April 2024)
The SOL has been replaced with the new Immigration Salary List (ISL), focusing on roles that require skilled workers and are in genuine shortage.
- Higher Salary Thresholds
The minimum salary for Skilled Worker visa eligibility increased from £26,200 to £38,700, emphasizing the need for high-skilled workers.
- New Occupation List (ISL)
The new ISL includes fewer roles compared to the previous SOL, ensuring only critical jobs are filled through immigration.
- Employer Responsibility
Employers are encouraged to train UK residents instead of relying on overseas workers, reducing dependency on immigration.
-
Reduced Coverage of Eligible Jobs
Previously, about 30% of jobs were covered under the SOL, whereas under the ISL, this has been reduced to just 8%.
Additionally, candidates should know that they can bring their spouse and children to the UK under their Skilled Worker Visa, allowing their family to live, work, or study in the UK. It's also important to note that roles on the shortage list may offer a clear path to permanent residency after five years, making it a great opportunity for long-term settlement.
FAQs
Ques How does being on the shortage list help with getting a visa?
Ans If your job is on the list, it’s easier to qualify for a Skilled Worker Visa. You might need a lower salary to qualify, and the process is generally faster.
Ques What is the reason for the shortage of skilled workers in Britain?
Ans The shortage of skilled workers in Britain is mainly due to a combination of factors: an aging population, fewer young people entering skilled professions and Immigration. As a result, the UK government has created a Skill Shortage Occupation List to make it easier for international students and workers to fill these roles, helping to address the gap in skilled labor.
Ques Do all employers hire from the shortage occupation list?
Ans No, only UK employers registered as licensed sponsors can hire international workers under this list.
Ques Are internships or entry-level positions included in the shortage occupation list?
Ans No, most roles on the list require skilled workers with relevant qualifications or work experience.
Ques What happens if my occupation is removed from the shortage list while I’m working?
Ans If your visa is already approved, you can continue working until your visa expires. Future renewals may depend on updated rules.
Ques Are there any industries not covered by the shortage occupation list?
Ans Yes, the list focuses on skilled jobs. Low-skilled or general labor roles, such as warehouse workers, retail assistants, hospitality staff, cleaners, delivery drivers, and construction laborers, are typically not included.
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