Further to its commission in July 2025 the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has issued a report on its initial review of the future design and content of the new Temporary Shortage Occupation List (TSL).
The report provides the MAC’s recommendations on which occupations should be included in the new TSL based on the twin defining policy priorities of ‘delivering the Industrial Strategy’ and ‘building critical infrastructure’. The report also provides recommendations on the terms and conditions which should apply to visa grants using the TSL.
The occupations selected in the report for the TSL run to 82 and will now be further assessed as part of a stage 2 call for evidence with industry stakeholders before the MAC issues its final findings next Summer.
In the second part of its commission, the MAC will publish its recommendations on salary thresholds in December 2025.
The Temporary Shortage Occupation List (TSL) was introduced in July 2025 to provide time-limed access shortage occupations classified as being at skill level RQF Level 3-5. These roles are otherwise no longer eligible for sponsorship following the rise in the skills threshold under the Skilled Worker route from RQF Level 3 to RQF Level 6. Jobs featured on the list will be reviewed in December 2026 and may be removed at that stage.
Note: Individuals sponsored under these roles will not be allowed to bring their dependants.
In July 2025, the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) was commissioned to carry out a review of the TSL and occupations that are considered ‘crucial to the delivery of the Industrial Strategy or critical infrastructure’ – the ‘guiding principal’ attached to the TSL.
No roles below RQF level 6 will be eligible for work visas unless:
Visa Design
The report recommends:
Duration of visa
English Language
Salary
Switching to a new role
3 Year Review of List
A full review of the TSL every three years is recommended to assess whether TSL access is revoked or extended for each occupation on the list or whether additional RQF 3-5 occupations should be added.
Occupations deemed ‘crucial’ and which will proceed to stage 2
Occupations identified in the report run to 82 and include:
The MAC also recommends occupation 2455 ‘Construction project managers and related professionals’ be treated at skill level of RQF 6+ for the purposes of sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route.
Getting involved with Stage 2: Call for Evidence
Running until July 2026, stage 2 of the MAC’s review will now centre around engaging with a broader set of stakeholders via a call for evidence. This call for evidence will serve ‘as a means of applying further substantial tests’ to determine which occupations will be ultimately recommended for inclusion on the TSL in the MAC’s final report.
Job Plans
Occupations that proceed to stage 2 will need to be included in Jobs Plans, produced by sector expects in government in collaboration with industry, in order to be considered for the TSL. The plans will need to demonstrate the action being taken to support that occupation and reduce the need for migrant labour – including plans for maximising the use of the domestic workforce and investment in training and skills.
The MAC, working alongside other Labour Market Evidence Group (LMEG) members and skills bodies, will consider the following when assessing the Jobs Plans submitted by sectors:
The final report will be released in July 2026 which will include the MAC’s final recommendations on which occupations should be on the TSL.
In the second part of its commission, the MAC will publish its recommendations on salary thresholds in December 2025.
For a deeper discussion on the above, please reach out to your Vialto Partners point of contact, or alternatively:
Lyudmyla Davies
Partner (Solicitor)
Ian Robinson
Partner
Andrea Als
Director (Solicitor)
Tom Marsom
Director (Solicitor)
Simply follow our Vialto Alerts page on LinkedIn and posts will be displayed on your feed. To ensure you don’t miss one, once you’re on our LinkedIn page, click on the bell icon under the banner image to manage your notifications.
Further information on Vialto Partners can be found here: www.vialtopartners.com
Vialto Partners (“Vialto”) refers to wholly owned subsidiaries of CD&R Galaxy UK OpCo Limited as well as the other members of the Vialto Partners global network. The information contained in this document is for general guidance on matters of interest only. Vialto is not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for the results obtained from the use of this information. All information is provided “as is”, with no guarantee of completeness, accuracy, timeliness or of the results obtained from the use of this information, and without warranty of any kind, express or implied, including, but not limited to warranties of performance, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. In no event will Vialto, its related entities, or the agents or employees thereof be liable to you or anyone else for any decision made or action taken in reliance on the information in this document or for any consequential, special or similar damages, even if advised of the possibility of such damages.
© 2025 Vialto Partners. All rights reserved.