The UK Shortage Occupation list (SOL) is the official record of jobs that are considered by the UK immigration authority, the Home Office, as having staff shortages in the UK.
Overseas workers who hold a Skilled Worker permit or an ARC card, are eligible to be employed providing their job role is stated on the SOL. (More information regarding ARC cards can be found here - What is the Application Registration Card (ARC)? (sbgrp.co.uk))
Recommendations for roles to be included on the list are generally made by the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) in line with meeting the needs of UK businesses.
The MAC have recently published an interim report into labour shortages in the construction and hospitality sectors. It has recommended the addition of the following roles onto the SOL - although these will not take effect until and unless the Government approves them.
Construction roles recommended by MAC to be added to Shortage Occupation List:
Bricklayers and masons
Roofers, roof tilers and slaters
Carpenters and joiners
Construction and building trades
Plasterers
The current SOL can be found here: Immigration Rules - Immigration Rules Appendix Shortage Occupation List - Guidance - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
The MAC is due to publish its latest full report in June 2023. We will keep you updated on this matter.