The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has conducted its first full review of the SOL since 2013.
But while occupations such as architects and civil engineers have found a place on the list, most other roles such as project managers, quantity surveyors, production managers and directors, and architectural technologists have not, on the basis that there was “insufficient stakeholder evidence to suggest this occupation was in shortage”.
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Nonetheless, the review acknowledged that with vacancy rates in the construction sector having increased in recent years, approaching the highs seen before the financial crisis, the situation may change in the future.
It said: “Overall, given the very significant reliance on European Economic Area (EEA) workers in some parts of the construction industry, increasing vacancy rates and the importance of the sector to the UK’s infrastructure plans and industrial strategy, construction occupations will require careful consideration in a future immigration system.”
Explaining the decision to hold a review, MAC chair professor Alan Manning said: “The labour market is very different now from the last SOL review in 2013. Unemployment is lower, vacancies higher and free movement no longer providing the ready supply of workers it once did for some employers.
Employer concern
“Together these factors lead to a high level of employer concern, reflected in the large number of responses to our call for evidence. Understandably, many of these stakeholders expressed concerns about the future immigration system: which skills will be included and what will be the salary thresholds.”
He explained that being on the SOL conveys certain advantages, including not having to conduct a Resident Labour Market Test (RLMT), exemption from the £35,000 minimum income threshold for settlement, and lower visa fees.
To be placed on the SOL, a job must meet three requirements: skilled (are the jobs skilled to the required level?), shortage (is the job in shortage?), and sensible (is it sensible to try to fill those shortages through migration?).
Professor Manning added: “Our recommendations are clearly only applicable under the current immigration system, while EU free movement remains. We are recommending a full review of the SOL once there is a clearer picture of what the future immigration system will look like.”
To read the full review, click here.
