The United Kingdom has rolled out a brand-new Skilled Worker Temporary Shortage List (TSOL), effective 22 July 2025, throwing open its doors to international talent across more than 70 medium-skilled occupations.
If you’ve ever dreamt of working in Britain, now’s a window of opportunity, especially for those who fall outside the highly skilled bracket but bring valuable expertise in their field.
This initiative is aimed squarely at tackling urgent workforce shortages and ensuring critical sectors stay competitive and robust.
What’s the Temporary Shortage List (TSOL), Exactly?
Think of Temporary Shortage List (TSOL) as a recruitment accelerator. It’s a government-issued list of jobs that UK employers are struggling to fill with domestic talent.
If your job appears on this list and you meet the salary threshold, you can apply for a Skilled Worker visa, extend your stay, or even switch into this visa category, without facing the same red tape as other applicants.
Even better: discounted salary thresholds apply to:
- New entrants
- PhD holders
- Skilled Workers with continuous visa history pre-4 April 2024
That means fewer financial hurdles for qualified candidates.
Who Can Apply?
You can apply if you’re:
- An overseas applicant entering the UK on a Skilled Worker visa
- Already in the UK and looking to extend your visa
- Switching visa types within the UK
- Working in industries like STEM, construction, fashion, media, healthcare, or trades
Just make sure your job title matches the official occupation code, which you can check using the CASCOT occupation coding tool.
Key Occupations and Salary Requirements
Here’s a breakdown of the most in-demand jobs on the new Temporary Shortage List. We’ve grouped them by sector to make it easier to scan.
🔧 Engineering, Construction & Technical Roles
| Job Title | Standard Salary | Lower Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering Technicians | £42,500 | £34,700 |
| Pipe Fitters | £46,000 | £40,400 |
| Electricians | £38,800 | £31,500 |
| Welding Trades | £34,900 | £29,500 |
| Plumbers & HVAC Installers | £38,100 | £31,400 |
| Construction Supervisors | £41,800 | £34,600 |
💻 IT, Tech & Data Jobs
| Job Title | Standard Salary | Lower Salary |
|---|---|---|
| IT Ops Technicians | £35,200 | £27,700 |
| Data Analysts | £34,900 | £28,600 |
| Database Admins | £34,600 | £29,200 |
| Computer Installers | £35,100 | £26,700 |
🧪 Lab, Science & Technical Specialists
| Job Title | Standard Salary | Lower Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Laboratory Technicians | £33,400 | £25,000 |
| Electrical/Electronic Technicians | £39,300 | £30,800 |
| Quality Assurance Techs | £33,400 | £26,500 |
🎨 Creative, Fashion & Media Roles
| Job Title | Standard Salary | Lower Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Fashion Designers | £36,500 | £29,100 |
| Choreographers | £33,400 | £28,500 |
| Authors, Translators | £36,100 | £29,800 |
| AV Operators | £33,400 | £25,400 |
📊 Business, Finance & Admin Jobs
| Job Title | Standard Salary | Lower Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Technicians | £48,700 | £32,900 |
| Business Support Officers | £33,400 | £25,500 |
| Bookkeepers | £33,400 | £25,400 |
| HR Officers | £33,400 | £27,100 |
For the full list of over 70 occupations, visit the official UK Government TSOL page.
Standard vs Lower Salary Rates: What’s the Difference?
It depends on when you received your first Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS):
- Standard Rate: Applies if your CoS was issued after 4 April 2024
- Lower Rate: Applies if your CoS was issued before 4 April 2024 and you’ve held Skilled Worker visas continuously since
These rates determine the minimum salary your UK employer must pay you.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a Skilled Worker Visa
- Confirm your occupation code: Use the CASCOT tool to match your job title to the correct code.
- Check the TSOL list: Verify that your job is listed and meets salary thresholds.
- Ensure your employer is licensed: Only registered UK sponsors can issue Certificates of Sponsorship.
- 4. Apply for your visa: Submit your Skilled Worker visa application through the UK Home Office portal.
You’ll need:
- A valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
- Proof of qualifications
- Evidence of salary and job offer
Why It’s Smart to Apply Early
Here’s the thing: this list is called “temporary” for a reason. The UK is under pressure to quickly fill labour gaps across mid-level sectors. So, acting now not only improves your chances but also gets you ahead of any future policy reversals or list updates.
Final Word
Whether you’re a data analyst in Delhi, a welder in Warsaw, or a dancer in Dubai, the UK is hiring, and the door is wide open. This new Skilled Worker Temporary Shortage List isn’t just policy. It’s a pathway. With over 70 occupations now eligible, there’s likely a route with your name on it.
Start exploring. Start applying. Your UK career might be closer than you think.
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