The Shortage Occupation List was renamed the Immigration Salary List during the 2024 overhaul. It still identifies jobs where the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) believes labour-market shortages justify easier entry terms.
What the concession is
For a role on the current list, the applicant can meet a reduced going rate — 80% of the normal rate — and qualify through a slightly lower overall salary position. Other parts of the Skilled Worker requirements (English, genuine-vacancy test, sponsor licence) remain unchanged.
Which roles are on it
The list is narrower than the pre-2024 version. Typical entries include a short set of health-care, science, engineering and creative roles. The MAC publishes updates annually and ad-hoc reviews can add or remove entries.
Always check the live gov.uk list before relying on any figure. Numbers circulating on forums may be out of date by months.
Why it matters less than it used to
In the pre-2020 Tier 2 system, shortage listing often made a large difference because of the Resident Labour Market Test. That test no longer exists, so the list’s remaining effect is narrower: a discount on the salary floor.
Where to look next
If you are considering a shortage-listed role, browse sponsors in the matching sector. For the wider picture, read the salary guide.
Run the numbers
Check any salary against the general threshold + role going rate.
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