Temporary Shortage Occupation List Guide 2025 – Job Codes and Other Important info

This list identifies job roles where there is a significant labour shortage in the UK.

What is the Temporary Shortage Occupation List?

The Temporary Shortage Occupation List (TSOL) is a defined list of specific SOC 2020 occupation codes recognised by the UK government as experiencing labour shortages. It allows employers to sponsor Skilled Worker visa applicants for these roles, provided all other standard requirements are met.

Complete List of Job Roles and SOC Codes in the Temporary Shortage Occupation List

Here is the full list of occupations included in the Temporary Shortage Occupation List:

1243 – Managers in logistics

1258 – Directors in consultancy services

3111 – Laboratory technicians

3112 – Electrical and electronics technicians

3113 – Engineering technicians

3114 – Building and civil engineering technicians

3115 – Quality assurance technicians

3116 – Planning, process and production technicians

3120 – CAD, drawing and architectural technicians

3131 – IT operations technicians

3132 – IT user support technicians

3133 – Database administrators and web content technicians

3412 – Authors, writers and translators

3414 – Dancers and choreographers

3417 – Photographers, audio-visual and broadcasting equipment operators

3422 – Clothing, fashion and accessories designers

3429 – Design occupations not elsewhere classified

3512 – Ship and hovercraft officers

3520 – Legal associate professionals

3532 – Insurance underwriters

3533 – Financial and accounting technicians

3541 – Estimators, valuers and assessors

3544 – Data analysts

3549 – Business associate professionals not elsewhere classified

3552 – Business sales executives

3554 – Advertising and marketing associate professionals

3571 – Human resources and industrial relations officers

3573 – Information technology trainers

4121 – Credit controllers

4122 – Book-keepers, payroll managers and wages clerks

4129 – Financial administrative occupations not elsewhere classified

4132 – Pensions and insurance clerks and assistants

5213 – Welding trades

5214 – Pipe fitters

5223 – Metal working production and maintenance fitters

5225 – Air-conditioning and refrigeration installers and repairers

5231 – Vehicle technicians, mechanics and electricians

5232 – Vehicle body builders and repairers

5233 – Vehicle paint technicians

5235 – Boat and ship builders and repairers

5241 – Electricians and electrical fitters

5242 – Telecoms and related network installers and repairers

5244 – Computer system and equipment installers and servicers

5245 – Security system installers and repairers

5249 – Electrical and electronic trades not elsewhere classified

5311 – Steel erectors

5315 – Plumbers and heating and ventilating installers and repairers

5319 – Construction and building trades not elsewhere classified

5322 – Floorers and wall tilers

5323 – Painters and decorators

5330 – Construction and building trades supervisors

8133 – Energy plant operatives

Key Features of the Temporary Shortage Occupation List

• Targeted Occupations

  TSOL is limited to specific SOC 2020 occupation codes listed in the Immigration Rules. These roles have been identified due to labour market shortages.

• Time-Limited Inclusion

  To be eligible under the Temporary Shortage Occupation List, the certificate of sponsorship must be issued before 31 December 2026.

• No Salary Discounts

  There are no salary threshold discounts for TSOL roles. All Skilled Worker sponsors must meet the full salary requirements as outlined in the Immigration Rules.

Who is Eligible Under Temporary Shortage Occupation List?

Employers can sponsor Skilled Worker visa applicants for TSOL listed roles if:

• The role is listed under the Temporary Shortage List in section SW 6.1A of the Immigration Rules

• The applicable salary threshold is met as outlined in the salary options (e.g., options A to J in SW 4.4)

• The applicant and sponsor meet all other requirements under the Skilled Worker route

The Temporary Shortage Occupation List (TSOL) enables sponsorship of workers in certain roles recognised as being in short supply in the UK.

While it provides a route to fill critical vacancies, employers must comply with all Skilled Worker rules, including meeting full salary thresholds and issuing the certificate of sponsorship before 31 December 2026.

Always refer to the official Immigration Rules to ensure up-to-date and accurate compliance.