The Government has published a Statement of Changes to the UK Immigration Rules which contain changes to the shortage occupation list from 1 April 2021. The changes take into account the recommendation of the Migration Advisory Committee, with a further eight occupations being added to the list including pharmacists, senior care workers, and nursing auxiliaries and assistants. Roles on the shortage occupation list attract a lower salary threshold of 80% of the published ‘going rate’.
This is welcome news for the social care sector who have long campaigned for senior care workers to be added to the shortage occupation list with care providers now able to recruit suitable candidates outside of the UK.
Commenting on the announcement Care England, the largest representative body of independent adult social care providers, said:
“As part of the points-based immigration system, people applying to come to the UK through the skilled worker route must reach 70 ‘points’ to be eligible for a work visa.
A job on the Shortage Occupation List is worth 20 points. Combined with the mandatory criteria – having an acceptable standard of English, an offer from a licensed sponsor and the required skill level, which are worth 50 points – will ensure people in these roles reach the 70 points necessary.”
To find out more on the announced changes to the UK Immigration Rules, you can read immigration specialist, Alex Russell’s blog here.
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