The Shocking Truth About the Shortage Occupation List UK Closure
Some shocking news coming from the UK regarding the Shortage Occupation list UK. Major changes are being considered for the UK’s immigration system, including the possible removal of the list of occupations that are in shortage (SOL). This suggestion comes from the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC), an independent group that advises the government on immigration issues.
Before we look at the proposed changes, let’s first understand what the Shortage Occupation List is. It’s a list of jobs that local employers are having trouble filling because there aren’t enough qualified people available. These jobs are then added to the SOL so that licensed employers can hire skilled workers from other countries. Currently there are several jobs which are in UK’s Shortage occupation list doctors, nurses, engineers, IT, Scientist, construction workers, carer etc.
Today’s agenda is to cover MAC recommendation. Why is this recommendation made?Understand this six recommendations made impact of the recommendations and the next steps.
MAC Recommendation.
MAC primary recommendation is the complete abolition of the shortage occupation list. The committee argues that the current structure allows employers to pay overseas workers less than the prevailing market rate, potentially leading to exploitation. However, if the government is unwilling to abolish the list entirely, MAC suggests a compromise of retaining only a limited number of low wage occupations on both the UK general and Scotland shortage occupation list.
Why is this recommendation made by MAC?
First is risk of exploitation in low wage jobs, for example, the carer jobs the Mac reports highlight the risk of exploitation in low wage occupations, emphasising that the shortage occupation list may contribute to this issue. And second is net fiscal cost concerns the likelihood of a low wage migrants leading to a net fiscal cost for the UK is a significant concern raised by the MAC. Third is administrative burden. The skilled worker route places a high administrative burden on low wage employers, and the Mac questions the efficiency of the shortage occupation list and addressing shortages in low wage sectors.
Which are a six major recommendations by MAC?
Recommendation one is abolition or reform. If the government opposes paying below the skilled worker general salary threshold, the shortage occupation list should either be abolished or heavily reformed. The committee argues that this move would mitigate the risk associated with exploitation. Reduce Skull burdens and streamline immigration policies.
Recommendation two is expanded work rights for asylum seekers. A noteworthy recommendation is the removal of restrictions on asylum seekers, allowing them to work anywhere in the UK.
Recommendation three is review in 2024. If the government wishes to retain the list, a minor review is proposed in spring 2024 unless directed otherwise.
Recommendation four, which is name change. If the list remains, it should be renamed to Immigration Salary Discount List to accurately reflect its function.
Recommendation five is exclusion of certain occupations. Mach recommends excluding occupations with an hourly rate lower than the general skilled worker threshold.
Recommendation six is confirmation and suspension, the government should confirm by January 2024 its move to the 2020 salary. Treasury recommends suspending the shortage occupation list review until necessary salary threshold changes are implemented.
Which is the impact of MAC recommendations.
The impact of this recommendations hinges on the government’s acceptance and subsequent actions, so potential consequences include impact one higher costs for employers. Increased salary and application fees for sponsoring skilled workers may pose challenges for employers, especially in low wage sectors. Impact to removal of discounts. If the list is abolished, the current salary discounts for shortage occupation list will be removed, requiring payment at least at the going rate for the occupation now moving to impact three review of salary rates. MAC calls for a review of salary rate discounts across various immigration schemes, emphasising the need for fair compensation.
What’s next?
The UK government will review the Migration Advisory Committees match report and issue a response. Any changes to the immigration rules based on the government’s decisions are likely to be included in the regular Spring Update in 2024. The uncertainty surrounding the future of the shortage occupation list makes this a crucial time for those considering work opportunities in the UK.
In conclusion, the UK shortage occupation list is uncertain and many people are waiting to see how the government responds to the MAC recommendation. So what do you guys think of MAC proposal?
For more related Articles: https://destinydot.com/news-portal/
For more about UK Immigration:https://gov.uk