The UK Government is expected to make changes to the Temporary Shortage List (TSL) from 1 January 2027, following the expiry of the current interim arrangements on 31 December 2026.
The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has recommended 28 occupations for inclusion on the new list for an initial period of 18 months. These include several construction and engineering roles, such as electricians, plumbers, bricklayers, welders, carpenters and engineering technicians. Some technical and data-related occupations have also been recommended.
Which occupations are recommended for the new TSL?
The MAC’s July 2026 report recommends the following 28 occupations for temporary access, subject to implementation by the government.
GOV.UK+1
| SOC code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 3112 | Electrical and electronics technicians |
| 3113 | Engineering technicians |
| 3114 | Building and civil engineering technicians |
| 3116 | Planning, process and production technicians |
| 3120 | CAD, drawing and architectural technicians |
| 3133 | Database administrators and web content technicians |
| 3512 | Ship and hovercraft officers |
| 3544 | Data analysts |
| 5211 | Sheet metal workers |
| 5212 | Metal plate workers, smiths and moulders |
| 5213 | Welding trades |
| 5214 | Pipe fitters |
| 5221 | Metal machining setters and setter-operators |
| 5223 | Metal working production and maintenance fitters |
| 5235 | Boat and ship builders and repairers |
| 5241 | Electricians and electrical fitters |
| 5242 | Telecoms and network installers and repairers |
| 5249 | Overhead line workers only |
| 5313 | Bricklayers |
| 5314 | Roofers, roof tilers and slaters |
| 5315 | Plumbers and heating/ventilating installers |
| 5316 | Carpenters and joiners |
| 5319 | Building envelope specialists and curtain wall installers only |
| 5321 | Plasterers |
| 5322 | Floorers and wall tilers |
| 5323 | Painters and decorators |
| 5330 | Construction and building trades supervisors |
| 8113 | Chemical and related process operatives |
These are MAC recommendations, not a guarantee that every occupation will appear in the final Immigration Rules. In particular, the recommendations include restrictions on certain job titles within broader occupation codes.
What happens to occupations not recommended?
The MAC did not recommend continued TSL access for 18 occupations, including:
- 3111 – Laboratory technicians
- 3115 – Quality assurance technicians
Other occupations also failed the assessment. The final effect depends on the applicable Immigration Rules and any transitional provisions
However, not all occupations currently on the Temporary Shortage List will remain eligible. For example, laboratory technicians and quality assurance technicians were not recommended for continued inclusion. The final position will depend on the changes formally introduced by the Home Office through the Immigration Rules.
Employers who sponsor workers under occupations currently on the list should review their position before 31 December 2026. They should also check the applicable rules before assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), particularly where they intend to recruit workers under the current arrangements.
It is important to remember that the MAC’s recommendations are not the same as the final Immigration Rules. Employers and applicants should therefore check the latest Home Office guidance before making decisions about new Skilled Worker applications or extensions.