The UK’s independent Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has released the results of its rapid review of the soon-to-launch Immigration Salary List (ISL), recommending that 21 roles receive salary-discounted eligibility under the Skilled Worker route when the Shortage Occupation List is abolished later this year. The findings, published on 12 January, more than double the ten preliminary roles suggested in 2023.
Additions range from chemical scientists and archaeologists to high-integrity pipe welders and classical ballet dancers. The wider spread reflects the sharp rise in general Skilled Worker salary thresholds announced in December and, according to the MAC, is intended to preserve access for sectors where domestic supply remains tight despite pay growth.
![Migration Advisory Committee Expands New Immigration Salary List to 21 Occupations]()
Unlike the current Shortage Occupation List, inclusion on the new ISL will no longer bring a blanket 20 % salary discount. The Home Office has asked the MAC to propose a fresh package of incentives – potentially reduced Immigration Skills Charge, faster processing, or relaxed advertising requirements – before the list is finalised.
For corporate mobility teams the message is twofold: first, many mid-skilled construction and creative roles that were previously borderline will disappear completely from sponsored migration; second, HR systems must be updated quickly because Certificates of Sponsorship issued after the ISL goes live will have to quote the new salary minima. Employers in life-sciences, heritage and specialist welding should begin pipeline planning now, as the MAC signalled an intention to keep the list “tightly limited” going forward.
Additions range from chemical scientists and archaeologists to high-integrity pipe welders and classical ballet dancers. The wider spread reflects the sharp rise in general Skilled Worker salary thresholds announced in December and, according to the MAC, is intended to preserve access for sectors where domestic supply remains tight despite pay growth.
Unlike the current Shortage Occupation List, inclusion on the new ISL will no longer bring a blanket 20 % salary discount. The Home Office has asked the MAC to propose a fresh package of incentives – potentially reduced Immigration Skills Charge, faster processing, or relaxed advertising requirements – before the list is finalised.
For corporate mobility teams the message is twofold: first, many mid-skilled construction and creative roles that were previously borderline will disappear completely from sponsored migration; second, HR systems must be updated quickly because Certificates of Sponsorship issued after the ISL goes live will have to quote the new salary minima. Employers in life-sciences, heritage and specialist welding should begin pipeline planning now, as the MAC signalled an intention to keep the list “tightly limited” going forward.
