UK Temporary Shortage Occupation List (2025–2026): Complete Guide

The UK’s immigration landscape shifted dramatically this summer with the introduction of a brand new Temporary Shortage Occupation List 2025–2026. If you’re an employer struggling to fill certain roles or a worker looking to move to the UK, this could be a game-changer for you.

Understanding the New Temporary Shortage List

The UK Government dropped Statement of Changes HC 997 in July 2025, creating this temporary list as a stopgap measure. What makes this particularly interesting is that it opens doors for overseas workers to fill sub-degree level positions (RQF Level 3–5) that are important for the country’s Modern Industrial Strategy.

Think of it as the Government’s way of saying: “We need these jobs filled, and we need them filled now.” The list runs until 31st December 2026, though ministers can pull the plug earlier if circumstances change.

How This List Differs from Other Immigration Routes

Here’s where it gets a bit technical, but stick with me. This new list works alongside the existing Immigration Salary List, essentially creating a bridge for jobs that would normally be locked out after recent skill threshold changes.

The catch? Workers coming through this route can’t bring their family members with them. It’s a solo journey only.

The Complete Job List: What’s Actually on There?

The Home Office has published the full list, and it’s quite extensive. Here’s what employers can now sponsor overseas workers for:

Management and Professional Roles

• Managers in logistics (1243)
• Directors in consultancy services (1258)

Technical and Scientific Positions

• Laboratory technicians (3111)
• Electrical and electronics technicians (3112)
• Engineering technicians (3113)
• Building and civil engineering technicians (3114)
• Quality assurance technicians (3115)
• Planning, process and production technicians (3116)
• CAD, drawing and architectural technicians (3120)

IT and Digital Roles

• IT operations technicians (3131)
• IT user support technicians (3132)
• Database administrators and web content technicians (3133)
• Information technology trainers (3573)
• Computer system and equipment installers and servicers (5244)

Creative and Media Jobs

• Authors, writers and translators (3412)
• Dancers and choreographers (3414)
• Photographers, audio-visual and broadcasting equipment operators (3417)
• Clothing, fashion and accessories designers (3422)

The creative sector gets some specific love too. Under code 3429 (Design occupations not elsewhere classified), you’ll find:

• Industrial and product designers
• Packaging designers
• Performance make-up artists
• Set designers
• Visual merchandising managers and designers

Marine and Legal Professionals

• Ship and hovercraft officers (3512)
• Legal associate professionals (3520)

Financial and Business Support

• Insurance underwriters (3532)
• Financial and accounting technicians (3533)
• Estimators, valuers and assessors (3541)
• Data analysts (3544)
• Business sales executives (3552)
• Advertising and marketing associate professionals (3554)
• Human resources and industrial relations officers (3571)
• Credit controllers (4121)
• Book-keepers, payroll managers and wages clerks (4122)
• Pensions and insurance clerks and assistants (4132)

Some business roles have specific inclusions under code 3549:

• Business support officers
• Business systems analysts
• Contract administrators
• Clinical coders
• Clinical trials administrators
• Research coordinators

Financial admin roles (4129) include these particular positions:

• Box office assistants
• Grants officers
• Mortgage administrators
• Revenue assistants (but not government revenue roles)
• Treasury assistants

Skilled Trades and Manufacturing

This is where the list really expands. The Government clearly recognises the massive skills shortage in these areas:

• Welding trades (5213)
• Pipe fitters (5214)
• Metal working production and maintenance fitters (5223)
• Air-conditioning and refrigeration installers and repairers (5225)
• Vehicle technicians, mechanics and electricians (5231)
• Vehicle body builders and repairers (5232)
• Vehicle paint technicians (5233)
• Boat and ship builders and repairers (5235)

Electrical and Electronic Trades

• Electricians and electrical fitters (5241)
• Telecoms and related network installers and repairers (5242)
• Security system installers and repairers (5245)
• Electrical and electronic trades not elsewhere classified (5249)

Construction and Building

The construction industry gets significant representation:

• Steel erectors (5311)
• Plumbers and heating and ventilating installers and repairers (5315)
• Floorers and wall tilers (5322)
• Painters and decorators (5323)
• Construction and building trades supervisors (5330)

Code 5319 covers these specific construction roles:

• Builders
• Divers
• Fence erectors
• Industrial climbers
• Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) operators
• Steel fixers and underpinners

Energy Sector

• Energy plant operatives (8133)

What This Means for Employers

If you’re running a business and struggling to fill any of these roles, this list could be your lifeline. You can now sponsor overseas workers for positions that were previously off-limits due to skill level requirements.

The key things to remember:

• These workers can’t bring dependants
• The list only runs until December 2026
• You’ll still need to meet sponsor licensing requirements
• Salary thresholds and other immigration rules still apply

What Workers Need to Know

For overseas workers, this opens up opportunities in sectors that were previously closed off. However, the no-dependants rule is a significant consideration if you have family you’d like to bring along.

The roles span everything from creative industries to heavy manufacturing, so there’s genuine variety here. Just remember that this is a temporary measure, so timing matters.

Key Restrictions and Limitations

Let’s be clear about what this list doesn’t do. It’s not a free for all. The dependant restriction is probably the biggest limitation if you’re planning to bring family, you’ll need to look at other visa routes.

The temporary nature means uncertainty. While it runs until December 2026, the UK Government can shorten this period if labour market conditions change or policy shifts occur.

Planning Your Strategy

Whether you’re an employer or a potential worker, timing is crucial. With less than 18 months guaranteed on this list, decisions need to be made relatively quickly.

For employers, this might be the perfect opportunity to address long-standing recruitment challenges. For workers, it’s a chance to establish yourself in the UK job market, potentially opening doors to other visa routes down the line.

The Bigger Picture

This temporary list reflects the UK’s ongoing struggle with labour shortages across key sectors. From construction to IT, creative industries to manufacturing, the breadth of roles included shows just how widespread these shortages have become.

The Government’s Modern Industrial Strategy clearly relies on filling these gaps, and this list is essentially an admission that domestic recruitment alone isn’t solving the problem.

What Happens Next?

With the list taking effect from 22nd July 2025, we’re already seeing employers and workers scrambling to understand the implications. The 18 month window creates urgency, but it also provides enough time for strategic planning.

Keep in mind that immigration rules can change quickly. What’s available today might not be available tomorrow, so staying informed is crucial.

FAQ – UK Temporary Shortage Occupation List 2025–2026

How long will these rules last? 

The list is set to run until 31st December 2026, but ministers can end it earlier if needed.

Can I bring my family?

 No, dependants aren’t allowed for workers sponsored under this route.

Is this the same as the Immigration Salary List? 

No, this is a separate temporary list focused specifically on RQF 3–5 roles considered essential for the UK’s industrial strategy.

What if my job isn’t on the list?

 If your role isn’t on either the Temporary Shortage List or the Immigration Salary List, you can’t be sponsored for a Skilled Worker visa at RQF 3–5 level.

How do I know if a job qualifies? 

Check the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code and job title against the official Home Office list.

The introduction of this temporary list represents a significant shift in UK immigration policy. It’s pragmatic, targeted, and time-limited very much in line with current Government thinking.

For those looking to take advantage of these opportunities, the window is relatively short. The combination of labour shortages and policy uncertainty means that both employers and workers need to act decisively.

The list might be temporary, but its impact on addressing critical skill gaps could be lasting. Whether it gets extended, modified, or replaced entirely will depend on how effectively it addresses the UK’s labour market challenges over the coming months.

Ready to Act on the New Temporary Shortage Occupation List?

The UK Temporary Shortage Occupation List 2025–2026 opens doors for employers to sponsor overseas workers in roles at RQF Level 3–5 but time is limited. Whether you’re an employer struggling to fill critical roles or a worker looking to move to the UK, understanding how to act quickly and correctly is essential.

At Solicitors in Manchester, we help businesses and individuals navigate this new immigration pathway with clarity, compliance and confidence.

Call us today on: 0161 464 4140
Book a free online appointment now

Let our experienced immigration team based in Manchester guide you through the process so you can make the most of this time-sensitive opportunity.