MAC recommends occupations for inclusion on Temporary Shortage List
The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has published its final recommendations on occupations that should receive access to the immigration system through the Temporary Shortage List (TSL).
The latest report concludes Stage 2 of the MAC’s review and provides recommendations on which occupations should be granted temporary access to the TSL when the current interim TSL expires at the end of December 2026.
The recommendations include several estates and facilities occupations and data analysts, but do not include laboratory technicians.
The TSL is a time-limited list that allows eligible medium-skilled occupations temporary access to the Skilled Worker Visa route while longer-term workforce solutions are developed.
The MAC has recommended a refined list of 28 occupations for an initial 18-month period for inclusion on the TSL.
NHS Employers responded to the stage 2 call for evidence, highlighting workforce challenges across a number of occupations relevant to the NHS.
Of the occupations for which NHS Employers submitted evidence, Data Analysts (SOC 3544) have been recommended for inclusion. The MAC has also recommended several estates and facilities occupations that are important to NHS organisations, including:
- Electricians and electrical fitters (SOC 5241)
- Plumbers and heating and ventilating installers and repairers (SOC 5315)
- Carpenters and joiners (SOC 5316)
- Painters and decorators (SOC 5323)
- Building and civil engineering technicians (SOC 3114).
Laboratory technicians (SOC 3111) were not recommended for TSL access because there was insufficient evidence that the occupation is currently in shortage or likely to be in shortage in the future.
These recommendations are subject to government consideration.
If accepted by the government, employers recruiting to occupations on the TSL will continue to have access to international recruitment through the immigration system for a temporary period. Employers may wish to consider the potential impact on occupations that have not been recommended for inclusion and monitor future government announcements on implementation.
NHS Employers will share the updated TSL once it has been published by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). We will also provide information on any transitional arrangements and the implications for occupations that will no longer be eligible for TSL access under the refined list.
Read the full report on GOV.UK.
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