UK Immigration Salary List 2025

1. Shortage Occupation List vs Immigration Salary List

The Shortage Occupation List, the Immigration Salary List's predecessor, was introduced in 2008, under the old Points Based System. It contained a list of roles that were in shortage in the UK labour market, enabling sponsors to hire overseas workers to fulfil these roles by paying workers a discounted salary. While the list offered benefits to employers, there were disadvantages to being in a shortage occupation. Workers were being paid less than the market rate for their roles, leaving them at higher risk of exploitation and financial insecurity.

Given the apparent disadvantages of the Shortage Occupation List, the Home Office commissioned a significant review of the list by the Migration Advisory Committee ("MAC") which, in turn, recommended its heavy reform or abolition.