The Government will introduce a new immigration system on 1 January 2021. In preparation for this, it has asked the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) to compile a new Shortage Occupation List, which will primarily focus on occupations at RQF Level 3-5 (medium skill). This is to be reported in September 2020.
Under the current Immigration system, UK employers don’t need to conduct the Resident Labour Market Test (RLMT) if they offer a role to a migrant that is on the Shortage Occupation List. (The RLMT requires employees demonstrate they can’t find a suitable UK settled worker.)
When the new immigration system is launched the RMLT will no longer apply whether or not the role is on the Shortage Occupation List. The Government has announced that they will abolish this test but some other advantages such as a lower minimum salary for the visa, as well as a lower minimum salary for indefinite leave to remain (permanent residency) will continue to apply.
The MAC has launched a call for evidence. If you employ, or plan to recruit, medium-skilled migrant workers the MAC wants to hear your views. The link to the consultation is here, and the deadline for responding is 24 June 2020.
Zenia Chopra is an Adviser to The Entrepreneurs Network and Head of Client Services at Kingsley Napley.