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ARTICLE · 19 AUGUST 2024

Home Secretary Commissions MAC Review Of IT And Engineering Sectors

Carter Thomas Solicitors
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The Home Secretary commissioned a review of the IT and engineering sectors, previously on the Shortage Occupation List, to assess their reliance on international recruitment and explore potential adjustments to immigration policy. Results are expected by Spring 2025.

United KingdomImmigration
Sijabulisiwe Dube
Sijabulisiwe Dube

The IT and engineering sectors have long since been included on the Shortage Occupation List (SOL), which was a list of roles available for sponsorship under more favourable criteria, due to being considered of short supply. These occupations have not been included in the new Immigration Salary List (ISL), which replaced the SOL in April 2024.

Home Secretary commissions a review of the IT and engineering sectors

On 6 August 2024, the Home Secretary Yvette Cooper  commissioned the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) to conduct a review of key sectors that are reliant on international recruitment. The MAC, alongside the newly formed Skills England, will seek to understand why specific sectors are so reliant on international recruitment, and which groups most commonly use work visas. The review will also seek to understand skills gaps across the UK's labour market. The review will focus on the IT and engineering sectors.

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