It seems the UK is grappling with a significant challenge— a shortage of skilled workers across several sectors, including technology, banking, and medicine. This is according to a recent report by the recruitment firm Hays, which has placed the UK among the top five countries struggling with talent shortages, alongside nations like New Zealand, Portugal, Canada, and Switzerland. The analysis highlighted a “pressing need” for Britain to address these skills gaps, which have been exacerbated over recent years due to various factors.

As Nigel Kirkham, the chief executive of enterprise solutions at Hays, pointed out, “To ensure the UK can continue to compete on the global stage, it needs a steady supply of talent with the right skills.” One method the UK has employed to tackle this issue is the skilled worker visa, which was introduced back in 2020. This visa allows employers to recruit skilled workers from outside the UK to fill vacancies. The visa also permits these workers to bring their families with them to the UK.

What is a skilled worker visa?

The skilled worker visa, launched in 2020, was designed to help employers bring in skilled workers from abroad to fill roles in the UK. This visa also enables workers to bring their families with them. Generally, the standard minimum salary required for this visa is £38,700, though in some cases, it can be granted for jobs offering at least £30,960 and between 70% and 90% of the typical rate for the job. The visa lasts for up to five years and can potentially be renewed indefinitely. However, it’s important to note that workers on this visa aren’t entitled to most benefits and don’t qualify for a state pension.

Which sectors are on the shortage list?

The UK has an immigration salary list, which outlines the occupations that are currently in short supply. This list is a part of the UK’s immigration rules and is intended to make it easier for employers to sponsor skilled workers from outside the UK under the skilled worker visa. Here are some of the sectors and specific roles on that list:

• Forestry, fishing, and related services: Only “fishing boat masters” are listed here.
• Chemical scientists: Specifically for jobs in the nuclear industry.
• Biological scientists: All jobs within this category are included.
• Social and humanities scientists: Only archaeologists are listed.
• Graphic and multimedia designers: All jobs are included.
• Laboratory technicians: Only those with 3 or more years of related experience are included, provided the experience wasn’t gained illegally.
• Pharmaceutical technicians: All jobs are included.
• Artists: All jobs are included.
• Dancers and choreographers: Only skilled classical ballet dancers or contemporary dancers who meet the standards of internationally recognized UK companies are included.
• Musicians: Only skilled orchestral musicians who meet the standards required by internationally recognized UK orchestras are included.
• Arts officers, producers, and directors: All jobs are included.
• Agriculture and fishing trades: Only jobs in the fishing industry are listed.
• Welding trades: Only high-integrity pipe welders with 3 or more years of experience are included.
• Boat and ship builders and repairers: All jobs are included.
• Stonemasons and related trades: All jobs are included.
• Bricklayers: All jobs are included.
• Roofers, roof tilers, and slaters: All jobs are included.
• Carpenters and joiners: All jobs are included.
• Construction and building trades: Only retrofitters are listed.
• Care workers and home carers: All jobs are included, though jobs in England require specific registration with the Care Quality Commission.
• Senior care workers: Similar to care workers, with additional requirements for England.
• Animal care services: Only roles such as racing grooms, stallion handlers, and stud grooms are listed.
• Fishing and other elementary agriculture occupations: Only deckhands on large fishing vessels are included, with a requirement of 3 years of full-time experience, which must not have been gained illegally.

Why is the UK facing a skilled worker shortage?

There are a few reasons behind the shortage of skilled workers in the UK. Chronic underinvestment in training, both by companies and the government, has played a significant role. Additionally, the higher cost of living has made it difficult for people to afford training or to consider mid-career changes, especially if it means taking a pay cut.

Brexit has also contributed to this issue. Many workers from EU countries have returned home, and rising living standards in some Eastern European nations have reduced the pay gap between them and the UK, making immigration less attractive for skilled workers. The COVID-19 pandemic further complicated the situation, leading to an increase in economically inactive people of working age, as well as a rise in chronic illness that has kept more individuals out of the workforce.

Adding to these challenges, the UK’s ageing population is another factor. As of 2022, nearly 19.17% of the UK population was aged 65 or older. This means a significant portion of the skilled workforce is reaching retirement age, which further reduces the number of available workers.

FAQs:

1. How long can a skilled worker visa last?
The skilled worker visa can last up to five years, and it has the potential to be renewed indefinitely.

2. What are the salary requirements for a skilled worker visa?
Generally, the standard minimum salary requirement is £38,700. However, it can be granted for jobs paying at least £30,960, depending on the specific criteria.

3. Which occupations are currently on the UK’s shortage list?
Some of the occupations on the UK’s shortage list include biological scientists, graphic and multimedia designers, pharmaceutical technicians, skilled classical ballet dancers, skilled orchestral musicians, and several construction trades such as stonemasons, bricklayers, and carpenters.