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Britain shortlists 82 jobs for temporary work visas to tackle labour gaps
Published by Global Banking and Finance Review
Posted on October 9, 2025
2 min readLast updated: January 21, 2026
Global Banking and Finance Review
Company
Published by Global Banking and Finance Review
Posted on October 9, 2025
2 min readLast updated: January 21, 2026
Britain announces 82 jobs eligible for temporary work visas to tackle labour shortages, focusing on maximizing domestic workforce use.
LONDON (Reuters) -Britain on Thursday published a list of 82 mid-skilled jobs that could qualify for temporary work visas under a new migration scheme aimed at addressing labour shortages.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer is trying to take a tougher line on immigration, with public concern rising over illegal boat crossings and his party trailing the populist Reform UK in opinion polls.
At the same time, Britain has been grappling with a sluggish economy and a shortfall of workers in some sectors.
'MAXIMISE USE OF DOMESTIC WORKERS'
The 82 jobs recommended in a report published by the Migration Advisory Committee form part of Britain's Temporary Shortage List - a new immigration route offering time-limited access to foreign workers in roles that require qualifications below degree level.
"Any occupation that the MAC recommends ... will need to be supported by a plan demonstrating the action that is being taken to maximise the use of domestic workers and reduce the need for migrant labour," the committee said.
The recommended list includes engineering technicians, welders, photographers, translators, and logistics managers, roles seen as crucial to Britain's industrial strategy - its first in eight years - and long-term infrastructure projects.
Eligible workers could be granted visas lasting three to five years, but would not be allowed to settle permanently unless the government changes its policy, the committee said.
Applicants would need to meet a minimum English language requirement, and employers would be required to submit plans showing how they intend to train and recruit domestic workers.
A second phase of the review, due in July 2026, will determine which occupations meet the criteria for inclusion on the final list.
Similar schemes exist in Canada and Australia, where targeted visa programmes are used to fill gaps in healthcare, engineering, and skilled trades.
During a two-day visit to India, which began on Wednesday, Starmer ruled out a visa deal with the Indian government, saying the issue had previously stalled bilateral trade talks.
(Reporting by Sam TabahritiEditing by Rod Nickel)
A temporary work visa allows foreign workers to live and work in a country for a limited time, typically in roles that cannot be filled by local workers.
The Temporary Shortage List is a list of occupations in the UK that are facing labor shortages, allowing employers to hire foreign workers for these roles.
Applicants must meet specific criteria, including a minimum English language requirement and a plan from employers to maximize domestic worker recruitment.
The English language requirement ensures that visa applicants can communicate effectively in the workplace, which is essential for job performance and integration.
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