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UNITED KINGDOM – Shortage Occupation List New Addition; Seafood Sector
June 5, 2023
Evidently struggling from post-Brexit export regulations, the fishing sector has now been given a boost by adding a range of Skilled Occupations to the Shortage Occupation List. As of this summer, share fisherman, trawler skippers, and experienced deckhands (large vessels) will be all be on the Shortage Occupation List.
An occupation on this list qualifies at a 20% lower salary threshold (£20,960 instead of £26,200). Applicants also pay lower fees (£479 for a 3-year visa instead of £625). The Shortage Occupation List remains under review to ensure it reflects the current labour market.
The UK has a prosperous seafood sector due to the current demand and quality of produce, with ministers wanting to preserve these levels. Exports of salmon, along with other rich fish stocks, is worth around £600 million to the UK annually. Therefore, in order to support the fishing industry, by the means of recruiting skilled workers from overseas, this entails multiple SOC codes being added to the shortage occupation list.
Previous post-Brexit backlash is hoping to be reversed. Mike Cohen, chief executive of the National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations stated that: promises were made that did not materialise”. Cohen further stated that recruiting local people to meet the needs of the market has been difficult.
The roles to be added follow suit of five construction related roles being added at the spring budget. This change came after the government accepted independent evidence-based recommendations from the Migration Advisory Committee.
Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick said “our seafood and fishing sectors are an integral part of the UK’s heritage and make a vital contribution to our food security and economy. They are a mainstay of our coastal communities, creating jobs, shaping infrastructure, and providing nutritious food for domestic and international markets”.
The backing they are providing to attract workers, forms part of the £100 million UK Seafood Fund. The fund was implemented on the back of the delays seen when moving fish from the UK to the EU, due to the new checks and further paperwork that came into effect.
The fund was the first initial attempt to support the industry, with modernising facilities, training and upskilling fishermen, and investing in better scientific research of the fisheries. Now along with reducing financial requirements and promoting access to skilled workers, the fishing industry theoretically will be stronger and more progressive in maintaining its position in the UK’s economy, with the hope of thriving and exceeding.
The changes are set to be applied ahead of the summer fishing season, along with a comprehensive package of support for the sector, which includes:
- Guiding them through the visa and sponsor application process as well as the broader immigration system
- Ensuring there is sufficient capacity for English language testing slots
- Expediting visa and sponsor applications, further quickening the decision-making process for no extra charge
- Dedicated points of contact in UK Visas and Immigration for the sector
Newland Chase Insights
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