UK Points based immigration system – update to the shortage occupation list
As you know, Brexit saw the end of the free movement of people, which meant that the way in which UK employers recruited from outside the UK significantly changed. It meant UK employers needed to use a new points-based immigration system to recruit anyone from outside the UK on a visa.
For most sectors, the change was manageable, but for sectors such as health and social care it resulted in significant challenges such as high vacancy rates, and staff turnover both of which added to the already existing pressure that staff were under because of COVID-19. This is because the role of a care worker was not included in the government’s list of skilled occupations.
However, the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) have advised the government to add care workers to the list of skilled occupations, stating it was needed to deal with “severe and increasing difficulties” that the sector was experiencing with recruitment and retention.
With effect from 15 February therefore, an employer will be able to recruit care workers from outside the UK on a skilled worker visa.
An updated shortage occupations list has been published on the government’s website.
Further information
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