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UK Temporary Shortage Occupation List 2025-2026
UK Temporary Shortage Occupation List 2025-2026
The UK government is introducing a new Temporary Shortage Occupation List starting from 22nd July 2025 . This update aims to help employers tackle urgent staffing shortages by making it easier to hire skilled workers from overseas. If you’re a business struggling to fill roles or an international worker looking to move to the UK, this change could open up new opportunities.
Table of Contents
The list highlights jobs in high demand across the UK where there aren’t enough local workers. It affects how companies sponsor employees under the Skilled Worker visa route and may change the way they recruit. Whether you’re hiring, applying for a job, or learning about UK immigration rule, understanding the UK Temporary Shortage Occupation List 2025-2026 can help you plan ahead.
What is the Temporary Shortage Occupation List?
The UK government created this special list to help fill urgent job vacancies in important sectors. These are jobs that typically require qualifications below degree level (RQF Level 3-5) but are essential for the country’s economy.
The list runs until 31st December 2026, giving you about 18 months to take advantage of these opportunities. However, the government can end it earlier if they need to.
How is This Different from Other UK Work Visas?
This new list works alongside the existing Immigration Salary List, but there’s one important difference: you cannot bring your family with you if you get a job through this route.
This means spouses, partners, and children cannot join you in the UK under this visa category. If bringing family is important to you, you’ll need to look at other visa options.
Who Can Benefit from This List?
If You’re Looking for Work in the UK
- You have skills in one of the listed occupations
- You’re willing to work in the UK without your family initially
- You want to establish yourself in the UK job market
- You’re looking for a stepping stone to other visa types
If You’re an Employer
- You’re struggling to fill certain roles with UK workers
- You need skilled workers in the listed occupations
- You have a sponsor licence (or can get one)
- You need workers quickly for business-critical roles
Complete List of Jobs You Can Apply For
Here’s the complete list of all occupations available through this route. You can use this table to quickly find your profession and its occupation code:
| Occupation Code | Job Title | What This Job Involves |
| MANAGEMENT ROLES | ||
| 1243 | Managers in logistics | Managing supply chains, deliveries, and warehouse operations |
| 1258 | Directors in consultancy services | Running advisory services and consulting businesses |
| TECHNICAL & ENGINEERING | ||
| 3111 | Laboratory technicians | Working in scientific labs, testing samples, and quality control |
| 3112 | Electrical and electronics technicians | Installing and maintaining electrical systems and equipment |
| 3113 | Engineering technicians | Supporting engineering projects and technical operations |
| 3114 | Building and civil engineering technicians | Working on construction projects and infrastructure |
| 3115 | Quality assurance technicians | Ensuring products and services meet required standards |
| 3116 | Planning, process and production technicians | Managing manufacturing processes and production planning |
| 3120 | CAD, drawing and architectural technicians | Creating technical drawings and architectural designs |
| IT & TECHNOLOGY | ||
| 3131 | IT operations technicians | Managing computer systems and network operations |
| 3132 | IT user support technicians | Helping users with computer problems and technical issues |
| 3133 | Database administrators and web content technicians | Managing databases and website content |
| 3573 | Information technology trainers | Teaching people how to use technology and software |
| 5244 | Computer system and equipment installers and servicers | Setting up and maintaining computer systems |
| CREATIVE & MEDIA | ||
| 3412 | Authors, writers and translators | Creating written content and translating languages |
| 3414 | Dancers and choreographers | Performing dance and creating choreographed routines |
| 3417 | Photographers, audio-visual and broadcasting equipment operators | Taking professional photos and operating media equipment |
| 3422 | Clothing, fashion and accessories designers | Creating clothing, fashion items, and accessories |
| 3429 | Design occupations (specific roles only) | Industrial designers, packaging designers, make-up artists, set designers, visual merchandising designers |
| PROFESSIONAL SERVICES | ||
| 3512 | Ship and hovercraft officers | Operating boats, ships, and marine vessels |
| 3520 | Legal associate professionals | Supporting lawyers and legal departments |
| 3532 | Insurance underwriters | Assessing insurance risks and setting premiums |
| 3533 | Financial and accounting technicians | Supporting accounting and finance operations |
| 3541 | Estimators, valuers and assessors | Assessing the value of property, equipment, and services |
| 3544 | Data analysts | Analysing business data and creating reports |
| 3549 | Business associate professionals (specific roles only) | Business support officers, systems analysts, contract administrators, clinical coders, research coordinators |
| 3552 | Business sales executives | Selling products and services to businesses |
| 3554 | Advertising and marketing associate professionals | Promoting products and managing marketing campaigns |
| 3571 | Human resources and industrial relations officers | Managing employee relations and HR processes |
| ADMINISTRATIVE & SUPPORT | ||
| 4121 | Credit controllers | Managing customer payments and debt collection |
| 4122 | Book-keepers, payroll managers and wages clerks | Recording financial transactions and processing payroll |
| 4129 | Financial administrative occupations (specific roles only) | Box office assistants, grants officers, mortgage administrators, revenue assistants, treasury assistants |
| 4132 | Pensions and insurance clerks and assistants | Managing pension plans and insurance administration |
| SKILLED TRADES | ||
| 5213 | Welding trades | Joining metals for construction and manufacturing |
| 5214 | Pipe fitters | Installing water, gas, and heating pipe systems |
| 5223 | Metal working production and maintenance fitters | Operating machinery and maintaining manufacturing equipment |
| 5225 | Air-conditioning and refrigeration installers and repairers | Installing and servicing HVAC and cooling systems |
| 5231 | Vehicle technicians, mechanics and electricians | Repairing cars, trucks, and other vehicles |
| 5232 | Vehicle body builders and repairers | Building and repairing vehicle bodies |
| 5233 | Vehicle paint technicians | Applying specialist paints and finishes to vehicles |
| 5235 | Boat and ship builders and repairers | Building and repairing boats and marine vessels |
| 5241 | Electricians and electrical fitters | Installing and repairing electrical systems |
| 5242 | Telecoms and related network installers and repairers | Setting up phone and internet networks |
| 5245 | Security system installers and repairers | Installing alarms and security equipment |
| 5249 | Electrical and electronic trades not elsewhere classified | Specialist electrical and electronic work |
| 5311 | Steel erectors | Building steel frameworks for construction |
| 5315 | Plumbers and heating and ventilating installers and repairers | Installing water systems and heating equipment |
| 5319 | Construction and building trades (specific roles only) | Builders, divers, fence erectors, industrial climbers, ROV operators, steel fixers |
| 5322 | Floorers and wall tilers | Laying tiles on floors and walls |
| 5323 | Painters and decorators | Painting and decorating buildings |
| 5330 | Construction and building trades supervisors | Managing building projects and construction teams |
| ENERGY SECTOR | ||
| 8133 | Energy plant operatives | Operating power generation and distribution facilities |
Important Notes About the Table:
- Occupation codes with “specific roles only” mean that only certain job titles within that category are eligible
- Your job title must match exactly what’s listed for your occupation code
- Some codes cover multiple related jobs, check the full description to see if your role qualifies
- This list is complete – if your job isn’t here, you cannot use this visa route
What You Need to Know Before Applying
Salary Requirements
You’ll still need to meet the minimum salary requirements for your job. These vary depending on the specific role and your experience level.
Employer Requirements
Your employer must:
- Have a valid sponsor licence
- Offer you a genuine job
- Pay at least the minimum salary for your role
- Meet their ongoing responsibilities as a sponsor
Family Considerations
Remember, you cannot bring dependants (spouse, partner, children) with you on this visa route. If you already have family in the UK on other visas, this doesn’t affect them.
How Long Does This Opportunity Last?
The list is guaranteed until 31st December 2026. However, the government can:
- End it earlier if labour shortages improve
- Extend it if shortages continue
- Modify which jobs are included
This means you should act relatively quickly if you’re interested in these opportunities.
Steps to Take Advantage of This List
For Job Seekers:
- Check if your skills match any of the listed occupations
- Look for employers who are licensed to sponsor workers
- Apply for jobs with companies that can sponsor you
- Prepare your application once you have a job offer
- Apply for your visa with the job offer and required documents
For Employers:
- Get a sponsor licence if you don’t have one
- Identify which roles you need to fill from the list
- Advertise your positions to attract overseas workers
- Prepare for the sponsorship process once you find suitable candidates
- Support your new employees with relocation and settling in
Common Questions and Answers
Q: Can I switch to a different visa later?
A: Yes, you may be able to switch to other visa categories while in the UK, including routes that allow family members.
Q: What if my job isn’t exactly on the list?
A: Your job must match both the occupation code and the job title. If it’s not listed, you cannot use this route.
Q: Can I work for multiple employers?
A: Generally, you can only work for the employer who sponsors you, though there may be some exceptions for certain types of additional work.
Q: What happens when the list ends in December 2026?
A: You’ll need to either switch to another visa category, leave the UK, or hope the government extends or replaces the list.
Q: Is this the same as the Immigration Salary List?
A: No, this is a separate temporary list. However, some jobs might appear on both lists.
Making the Most of This Opportunity
For Workers:
- Research thoroughly before making the move
- Plan your career progression beyond 2026
- Consider the family separation carefully
- Look into other visa options for the future
- Save money for potential visa switches or family visits
For Employers:
- Act quickly to secure the talent you need
- Plan for the temporary nature of this route
- Consider training UK workers alongside hiring overseas talent
- Prepare for potential policy changes
- Build relationships with overseas recruitment agencies
Getting Professional Help
Immigration rules can be complex, and mistakes can be costly. Consider getting professional advice if:
- You’re unsure about your eligibility
- You’re an employer new to sponsoring workers
- You want to plan for visa switches in the future
- You have complex personal circumstances
The Bottom Line
The Temporary Shortage Occupation List creates real opportunities for both workers and employers, but it comes with limitations and time constraints. The key is understanding exactly what’s available and acting decisively within the timeframe.
Whether you’re looking to build a career in the UK or solve urgent staffing problems, this list provides a valuable if temporary solution. The wide range of occupations means opportunities exist across many sectors, from traditional trades to modern technology roles.
Remember that immigration rules can change quickly, so staying informed and getting professional advice when needed is always wise. The next 18 months could be crucial for your career or business plans.
Secure Your Future Before the Window Closes, Speak to Deluxe Law Chambers Today
Whether you’re an overseas worker eyeing the UK’s new Temporary Shortage Occupation List or a UK employer racing to fill urgent vacancies, time is of the essence. This immigration route ends in December 2026, and your chance to act might close even sooner.
At Deluxe Law Chambers, we simplify the process, handle the paperwork, and give you clear guidance tailored to your situation, whether you’re hiring or applying.Call now on 0161 464 4140 Or book a free callback at our Manchester based office.
