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Government must listen to the Migration Advisory Committee to meet skills shortages

The REC welcomes the balanced report from the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) on shortage occupations. However as the economic picture changes rapidly the MAC will need to keep a sharp eye on labour market developments if its advice is going to remain up to date.   

Tom Hadley, the REC's Director of External Relations said: “Many of the listed shortage occupations reflect those which recruiters find hard to find workers for. The Government should listen to the MAC and make it easier to recruit for these positions from outside the EU.  However the effect of the compromise position on social care and hospitality workers will need to be watched.  It is vital that positions in these areas can continue to be resourced.” 

Hadley continues: “We welcome the approach of the MAC who came to their conclusions through a wide ranging and open consultation with business organisations such as the REC.  Limiting immigration in skills shortage areas limits the ability of our economy to grow and for vulnerable people to receive the care they need.”

The Occupational Shortage lists will be used in Tier 2 of the Points Based System to identify skilled migrants from outside the EU to fill specific skills shortages in the UK.

Applicants who apply to an occupation on the list will easier to recruit to positions in the UK providing they fulfil the language and maintenance requirements.