The UK’s migration advisory committee (MAC) has published a new report listing 82 mid-skilled occupations that will qualify for temporary work visas under a proposed migration pathway aimed at addressing the country’s labour shortages.
Commissioned by the Home Office, the report identifies key roles essential to strengthening the UK’s critical infrastructure, as part of wider government efforts to manage net migration while sustaining economic growth.
In the report released Thursday, Brian Bell, MAC chair, recommended that the visa durations be between three to five years but noted that the committee supports in-country switching to higher-skilled roles within the skilled worker route, to encourage progression.
Bell said the committee also recommended that English Language requirements be no lower than B1.
The professor noted that the list is only temporary and would be further screened for inclusion in the report’s second stage.
A final report on the approved temporary shortage list will be published in July 2026, Bell said.
Among the temporary 82 listed professions were writers, carpenters, human resources (HR) officers, and plumbers.
Here is a full list of the initial occupations.
Hire services managers and proprietors
Directors in consultancy services
Laboratory technicians
Electrical and electronics technicians
Engineering technicians
Building and civil engineering technicians
Quality assurance technicians
Planning, process and production technicians
Science, engineering and production technicians not elsewhere classified (n.e.c).
CAD, drawing and architectural technicians
IT operations technicians
IT user support technicians
Database administrators and web content technicians
Medical and Dental Technicians
Artists
Authors, writers and translators
Actors, entertainers and presenters
Dancers and choreographers
Musicians
Photographers, audio-visual and broadcasting equipment operators
Interior designers
Clothing, fashion and accessories designers
Design occupations n.e.c.
Ship and hovercraft officers
Legal associate professionals
Insurance underwriters
Financial and accounting technicians
Financial accounts managers
Estimators, valuers and assessors
Project support officers
Data analysts
Business associate professionals n.e.c.
Business sales executives
Marketing associate professionals
Sales accounts and business development managers
Human resources and industrial relations officers
Information technology trainers
Inspectors of standards and regulations
Health and safety managers and officers
Credit controllers
Book-keepers, payroll managers and wages clerks
Financial administrative occupations n.e.c.
Pensions and insurance clerks and assistants
Other administrative occupations n.e.c.
Company secretaries and administrators
Sheet metal workers
Metal plate workers, smiths, moulders and related occupations
Welding Trades
Pipe fitters
Metal machining setters and setter-operators
Metal working production and maintenance fitters
Precision instrument makers and repairers
Air-conditioning and refrigeration installers and repairers
Vehicle technicians, mechanics and electricians
Aircraft maintenance and related trades
Boat and ship builders and repairers
Electricians and electrical fitters
Telecoms and related network installers and repairers
TV, video and audio servicers and repairers
Computer system and equipment installers and servicers
Security system installers and repairers
Electrical service and maintenance mechanics and repairers
Electrical and electronic trades n.e.c.
Skilled metal, electrical and electronic trades supervisors
Steel erectors
Stonemasons and related trades
Bricklayers
Roofers, roof tilers and slaters
Plumbers & heating and ventilating installers and repairers
Carpenters and joiners
Construction and building trades n.e.c.
Plasterers
Floorers and wall tilers
Painters and decorators
Construction and building trades supervisors
Glass and ceramics makers, decorators and finishers
Chemical and related process operatives
Energy plant operatives
Water and sewerage plant operatives
Routine inspectors and testers
Elementary sales occupations n.e.c.
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