
Country / Territory
Related contacts
Related contacts
Related contacts
By: Charlotte Wills
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the UK’s Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has launched a Call for Evidence, which looks at the UK’s skill shortages and what the shortage occupation list may look like under the new UK immigration regime, expected next year. This blog considers what the Call for Evidence means for you.
What is the MAC?
The MAC is an independent, non-statutory, non-time limited, non-departmental public body that advises the UK government on migration issues. It is composed of a chair—Professor Brian Bell—and four other independent members.
What is the MAC Call for Evidence asking?
The Call for Evidence asks business groups and employers to share their knowledge of the recruitment market to help shape the shortage occupation list, a key part in the formation of the new UK immigration system. The request focuses on “medium skill” roles, or those between RQF 3-5, meaning A level or equivalent.
Why is the shortage occupation list important?
The shortage occupation list is the government’s official register of roles for which evidence suggests there are not enough UK workers to fill vacancies. Scotland has its own list in addition to the wider UK version.
The consultation could have significant ramifications for businesses in a post-Brexit UK immigration system. The shortage occupation list will be one of only a very small number of ways through which employers can recruit both EU and non-EU nationals via the sponsored worker route if they earn below the new salary threshold of £25,600, enabling them to “trade” points required to meet the required total.
It is especially crucial for employers who rely on resources from the Europe Economic Area (EEA) where local British staff cannot be found.
How should I respond?
We would encourage companies, business groups and other interested parties to respond to the consultation and set out as clearly as possible, with evidence, the recruitment challenges they currently face in the UK and the skills shortages that affect the recruitment of roles at the medium skill level. Respondents should consider their key current recruitment challenges, the drivers behind them and the impact that a restriction on the ability to recruit and retain EEA nationals could have on their UK operations after the Brexit transition period.
How long do I have?
The call for evidence remains open online for the next six weeks, closing on 24 June 2020. The MAC has until September 2020 to report its findings to the Home Secretary. Due to the current pressure on organisations because of the COVID-19 pandemic, those currently unable to respond can also provide a more limited response or register their details for future input.
Where do I start?
To begin with, we suggest you let the business know about the consultation and, as the MAC rely heavily on data, start to gather information on your recruitment practices and challenges, focusing most clearly on 1) what roles you struggle to recruit into and 2) the primary reason(s), which could be related to a lack of skills, qualifications, work experience, as well as other factors.
Fragomen is working through the MAC's call for evidence to prepare helpful advice and tools to best assist you in a response. We can also provide guidance through the process, assist in identifying your core messages and support in formulating your submission. For more information and guidance on this topic, please contact your Fragomen immigration professional or me, at [email protected].
Country / Territory
Related contacts
Related contacts
Related contacts
Explore more at Fragomen

Fragomen news
Fragomen announces the appointment of Leah Rogal as Senior Director of its Center for Strategy and Applied Insights.

Blog post
Destination Services Manager Ali Sikandar discusses how orientation programmes in Saudi Arabia help expatriates adapt to cultural differences, workplace norms and everyday challenges, easing their transition into a new environment.

Blog post
Manager Olga Astapova outlines options for individuals to obtain residency without employer sponsorship, highlighting legal routes and strategic considerations.

Video
Senior Manager Fatima Aydin discusses Ireland's 2025 public consultation on the occupations lists, and how stakeholders such as employers can provide input.

Blog post
Manager Mihaela Dumitru outlines Switzerland's evolving immigration policies and quota adjustments for 2025.

Video
Learn how to apply for German citizenship by descent. Discover eligibility under Article 116 and Section 15, benefits of EU citizenship and the step-by-step application process.

Media mentions
Partner Siobhan Owers discussed how visa reforms are reducing available international staff and creating workforce challenges in the UK care sector.

Video
Senior Corporate Services Manager Zak Hynes explores Dubai’s launch of the “One Freezone Passport."

Video
Senior Associate Isabel Schnitzler discusses how to navigate business travel in Germany.

Awards
Partners Molly Carey and Catherine Macris are finalists for the 2025 New England Legal Awards in the Partner of the Year and Regional Managing Partner of the Year categories.

Media mentions
Matawan Managing Partner Rahul Shah reflects on his path in immigration law and shares his perspective on global mobility.

Fragomen news
Fragomen announces the appointment of Leah Rogal as Senior Director of its Center for Strategy and Applied Insights.

Blog post
Destination Services Manager Ali Sikandar discusses how orientation programmes in Saudi Arabia help expatriates adapt to cultural differences, workplace norms and everyday challenges, easing their transition into a new environment.

Blog post
Manager Olga Astapova outlines options for individuals to obtain residency without employer sponsorship, highlighting legal routes and strategic considerations.

Video
Senior Manager Fatima Aydin discusses Ireland's 2025 public consultation on the occupations lists, and how stakeholders such as employers can provide input.

Blog post
Manager Mihaela Dumitru outlines Switzerland's evolving immigration policies and quota adjustments for 2025.

Video
Learn how to apply for German citizenship by descent. Discover eligibility under Article 116 and Section 15, benefits of EU citizenship and the step-by-step application process.

Media mentions
Partner Siobhan Owers discussed how visa reforms are reducing available international staff and creating workforce challenges in the UK care sector.

Video
Senior Corporate Services Manager Zak Hynes explores Dubai’s launch of the “One Freezone Passport."

Video
Senior Associate Isabel Schnitzler discusses how to navigate business travel in Germany.

Awards
Partners Molly Carey and Catherine Macris are finalists for the 2025 New England Legal Awards in the Partner of the Year and Regional Managing Partner of the Year categories.

Media mentions
Matawan Managing Partner Rahul Shah reflects on his path in immigration law and shares his perspective on global mobility.