United Kingdom: Migration Advisory Committee Publishes Second Stage Temporary Shortage List Report

The situation 

On July 23, 2026, the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) published Stage 2 of its review of the Temporary Shortage List (TSL), recommending that 28 occupations be included on the future TSL (down from the 52 occupations on the current Interim TSL). 

A closer look 

• • Eighteen-month period only. All occupations were recommended for inclusion only for an initial period of 18 months (expected to be January 1, 2027 to June 30, 2028). No occupations were recommended to be included for the standard three-year period.  
  • Existing and new occupations. The recommendations retain 20 occupations included on the current Interim TSL and recommend eight additional occupations not currently on that list. Roles recommended for inclusion on the list included data analysts, digital infrastructure occupations, engineering and manufacturing technician roles, as well as construction and manufacturing trades, among others.  
  • Excluded occupations. Some of the roles recommended for exclusion from the future list include business sales, human resources, legal, and advertising and marketing roles as well as creative sector roles (including authors, writers and photographers), among others.  

Background 

• • Purpose of TSL. The TSL is intended to be a list of Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) Level 3-5 (mid-skilled) occupations that can still be sponsored transitionally under the Skilled Worker Route despite recent rule changes otherwise limiting access under the route to RQF level 6 (degree level) occupations. 
  • The MAC was commissioned by the Home Secretary in July 2025 to review the composition of the Temporary Shortage List following publication of the government's Immigration White Paper. The review was undertaken in two stages: 
    • • • Stage 1 (published in October 2025) identified 82 occupations considered potentially crucial to the UK's Industrial Strategy or critical infrastructure for further consideration.  
        • Stage 2 invited the submission of occupation-specific Jobs Plans and assessed those occupations against four principal criteria:  
          • • • whether the occupation is experiencing labour shortages;  
              • whether there is a credible Jobs Plan to increase domestic workforce participation;  
              • whether risks of abuse and exploitation are appropriately managed; and  
              • whether continued access to migration is an appropriate response.  

Impact 

RQF 3-5 occupations on the TSL can be sponsored under the Skilled Worker Route as an exception to rule changes limiting access to RQF 6 roles. Employers will have no ability to sponsor workers to fill immediate shortages in RQF 3-5 roles unless the roles are included on the TSL (since the Skilled Worker Route is the only one permitting some sponsorship of RQF 3-5 roles), putting at risk the growth of businesses reliant on these roles. 

Looking ahead 

• • Implementation. The UK government has not yet confirmed whether it will accept the recommendations or what transitional arrangements will apply.  
  • Scope. The report considered the future eligibility of occupations for inclusion on the Temporary Shortage List. It does not make recommendations regarding individuals already sponsored in TSL occupations or how any future changes would apply to existing sponsored workers. Under the current Immigration Rules, sponsored workers remain eligible to extend their permission and qualify for settlement where the relevant requirements continue to be met.  

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen.