Migration Advisory Committee Publishes Stage 1 Report on Temporary Shortage List

The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has released its Stage 1 report on the Temporary Shortage List (TSL), outlining key recommendations on how the list should be structured and which occupations warrant further review for inclusion. This marks the first major step in shaping a new framework designed to respond swiftly to short-term labour shortages, while reducing long-term dependence on migrant labour.

The MAC’s Stage 1 report identifies 82 occupations, ranging from actors to welders, that will progress to Stage 2 of the review. These occupations were selected based on their potential importance to the Government’s Industrial Strategy and the delivery of critical national infrastructure.

To determine this shortlist, the MAC analysed 151 occupations at RQF levels 3–5, focusing on their relevance to sectors such as advanced manufacturing, clean energy, digital and technology, life sciences, defence, financial services, creative industries and key infrastructure. Occupations were considered crucial if more than half of their workforce was engaged within these priority sectors or where sector specialists provided compelling evidence of their strategic significance.

The MAC’s report goes beyond identifying potential occupations and provides a detailed framework for how the Temporary Shortage List should function in practice. Its recommendations aim to balance the need for short-term flexibility with long-term workforce sustainability.

The Committee recommends that occupations included on the TSL should generally remain on the list for three years. This period, it argues, provides employers sufficient time to address temporary shortages while monitoring market conditions. In cases where a sector’s “Jobs Plan” (previously termed Workforce Strategy) remains under development, a shorter inclusion period may be justified but only if there is credible evidence of progress toward domestic workforce expansion.

The MAC proposes that visa durations under the TSL should typically range between three and five years, with no automatic renewals beyond that timeframe. This would preserve the TSL’s temporary nature while still allowing stability for both employers and employees.

The Committee stops short of recommending whether the route should lead to settlement, noting that this decision depends on broader government policy still under review. Should settlement be permitted, visa durations and renewals would need to align with that pathway; otherwise, a 3–5 year limit would strike a balance between workforce stability and the government’s domestic training goals.

To mitigate risks of exploitation and enhance workers understanding of their rights, the MAC recommends a minimum English language requirement of B1. This threshold ensures that migrant workers are equipped to engage confidently with employers and public services, while maintaining a degree of accessibility for employers seeking skilled staff.

The MAC supports in-country switching to higher-skilled roles (RQF level 6 or above) within the Skilled Worker route. This would give temporary workers opportunities to progress their careers in the UK, improving retention and supporting workforce development goals.

While the MAC does not propose immediate changes to the current Skilled Worker sponsorship model, it encourages the Home Office to explore alternative sponsorship options for occupations that may be more vulnerable to abuse.

On pay, the Committee advises that salary thresholds for the TSL should be no lower than those under the Skilled Worker route, rejecting the idea of salary discounts. A separate report later this year will provide further detail on salary considerations and potential flexibility mechanisms.

The report also rejects the use of occupational caps, explaining that it would be impractical to predict or fix migrant numbers in specific roles given the volatility of labour demand and broader economic conditions.

The Committee acknowledges that certain occupations may merit inclusion in specific UK nations, provided that the criteria and justifications are robust and clearly defined.

It also highlights the current government position, under which workers on the TSL route will not be able to bring dependants. While the MAC refrains from commenting further, it notes that this restriction could deter higher-skilled workers from transitioning into the TSL route.

The MAC’s Stage 2 review is now underway and will run until summer 2026. During this phase, the Committee will seek further evidence from employers, industry bodies and government departments, with a particular focus on the Jobs Plans submitted by sectors. These plans are expected to set out how industries intend to train and recruit more UK workers to reduce dependency on migrant labour over time.

The final Stage 2 report, which will include recommendations on which occupations should appear on the TSL, is scheduled for publication in July 2026.

The Migration Advisory Committee’s Stage 1 report represents a significant milestone in shaping a more targeted, data-driven approach to addressing labour shortages. By combining short-term responsiveness with a clear expectation for domestic workforce planning, the proposed Temporary Shortage List could form a central pillar of the UK’s evolving immigration and labour market strategy.

The challenge ahead lies in ensuring that employers, government, and education providers align their efforts effectively, balancing immediate labour market needs with sustainable workforce growth for the future.

With over 20 years of experience and a commitment to excellence, Morgan Smith Immigration is your trusted partner for all your immigration needs. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you with UK Visa Applications. For any enquiries or assistance, call us at 0203 959 3335 or email [email protected].