also been lowered across many of the routes. For example, under the Skilled Worker route, the minimum skill level required for sponsorship reduced from degree to A-level or equivalent and the standard minimum salary level was reduced by around £5,000 (subject to the going rates for that role). The UK has also updated its list of roles that are understaffed in the country. If a role appears on this list, such as web designers, scientists, engineers or veterinarians (to name a few), it is because labour is in short supply in the UK and accordingly, the visa eligibility requirements are relaxed slightly to allow a wider pool of overseas workers to fill the vacancies. This list is reviewed regularly but changes are seldom made. In February this year, however, the list was updated to include roles in the care sector – allowing more people to qualify for the new Health and Care Worker visa as well as the Skilled Worker visa route. This was triggered by a shortage of care workers in the UK, which undoubtedly resulted from the loss of free movement of people following Brexit and the fallout from the pandemic. The new system has also been reactive to UK labour markets in other ways. October last year saw the introduction of temporary visas for specific categories of work that are also in short supply in the UK, including visas for HGV drivers, poultry workers and butchers. However, take-up of those visas was incredibly low, possibly because they only offered shortterm work solutions in the UK. More substantial visa routes have also been introduced in 2022 under the new system, including a range of global mobility visas in March and a route for high potential individuals in May. Most recently, in August, a route was introduced specifically for those looking to work in scale up companies. What is clear is that a lot has gone on in the last 18 months and it remains to be seen what changes will be made in the coming years, given the government’s plans to further digitise its immigration system. But so far, has the new immigration system delivered what it promised: a system that allows the ‘brightest and best’ to enhance the UK economy and job market? SPECIAL FEATURE 39 The application process is still fairly cumbersome and expensive, making it hard for smaller businesses to afford to become a sponsor in the first place.
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