In its current version, SOL covers a mere 1% of UK jobs.
On the 29th May 2019 the Migration Advisory Committee (“MAC”) - a highly influential team of independent economists advising the government on matters of UK immigration - published its new SOL review. The review's recommendations do not come into direct effect without parliamentary involvement, however MAC's publications are credited with shaping immigration policy since its formation.
In its most recent review, MAC recommends that the scope of SOL (which was last updated in 2013) is expanded to reflect modern labour market trends, industry-specific requirement and the current economic climate. If all recommendations are taken on board, businesses and workers should see SOL expanding nine-fold.
Specific occupations have been highlighted as the long-awaited new additions to the list (archaeologists, architects, biochemists, occupational therapists, psychologists, speech therapists, web designers), whereas some existing categories should be seeing significant reform to minimise administrative restrictions. Significantly, MAC rightly focus on engineering occupations, with professions spanning the spectrum from mechanical and software engineers being included. Chefs in restaurants offering a takeaway service will also benefit from the more lenient regime under SOL.
MAC is clear that these recommendations will only support an immigration system until it enjoys the benefits of free movement of talent and skill from the EU. A further review is likely to take place once the post-Brexit UK immigration system has taken shape. On that note although in few specifics, MAC address the potential introduction of medium and lower-skilled occupations in SOL, seeking to re-assure employers in EU skill reliant sectors (hospitality, construction, agriculture and more) facing workforce pressures in Brexit's loom.
MAC’s recent review is welcome news for employers and employees alike, shaping a new immigration system to accommodate skill and talent shortages amidst political uncertainty. However, the administrative burdens on employers who wish to sponsor foreign talent work for visas purposes remain heavy and complex and further reform is inevitable.
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