Top ten skill shortage sectors in the UK

To find out about the sectors facing a skill shortage in the UK, one can refer to the skill shortage list of the government. The Shortage Occupation List defines jobs that are facing a Skill Shortage in the UK. The list is used to classify migrants who can fill these job roles and bring them to the UK under the Tier 2 route. The Shortage Occupation List basically identifies skilled roles that migrants need to fill.

The occupations in the shortage occupation list are recommended by the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC).

The Shortage Occupation List can be a good reference point to find out the skill shortage sectors in the UK.

This list is updated on a regular basis by keeping track of the skill shortages in the workforce. To improve your chances of getting a job in the UK you must assess if your skills are suitable for a job that is in the skill shortage list. Based on this you can apply for a job in the UK.

When you apply for a Tier 2 Work Visa your application will be evaluated on a point scoring system. You must have at least 70 points to qualify for a Visa. An employment offer with an employer sponsorship certificate will give you an extra 30 points. If your skill appears on the Skills Shortage list, you'll score 30 points more. The remaining points will not be so difficult to gain.

The shortage list now includes professional architects, web designers, veterinarians, etc. Limitations on certain existing occupations have now been relaxed.

Certain occupations such as production managers in mining, IT specialists, etc. have been removed.

For occupations that appear in the shortage occupation list, the employers are exempted from conducting the Resident Labor Market Test (RLMT) advertisement process before initiating a Tier 2 application. They will have to give priority to roles in the shortage occupation list.

With the expansion of the list of occupations in the SOL, the definition of specialized roles has now changed.

The inclusion of new occupations to the list will mean better opportunities for international workers in these areas looking for opportunities in the country. They will get priority for a Tier 2 visa over applicants in professions that do not feature in the SOL.

Based on the list these are the top ten skill-shortage sectors in the UK

1. Finance Sector (Management Consultants, Actuaries, Economists, and Statisticians)
2. Directors and CEOs
3. Secondary school teachers
4. Software
5. Graphic Design
6. Chefs, Cooks
7. Nurses
8. Social Workers
9. Mechanical Engineers
10. Welding trades

If your occupation appears on the skills shortage list, you have better chances of getting a job offer and a work visa to move to the UK.