UK Temporary Shortage List [TSL] 2025: What You Need to Know

The UK has introduced a Temporary Shortage List (TSL) in 2025, designed to provide a faster and more flexible way of filling urgent job vacancies across the country. This new measure works alongside the existing Shortage Occupation List, but is specifically aimed at addressing short-term skills shortages in key sectors.

For migrants, having a role on the Temporary Shortage List UK 2025 means an easier route to a Skilled Worker visa, often with reduced salary requirements and lower visa fees. For employers, the TSL provides access to international talent more quickly when domestic recruitment cannot meet demand.

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What Is the Temporary Shortage List UK 2025 (TSL)?

The Temporary Shortage List is a government-controlled register of jobs where demand outstrips local supply. Unlike the long-standing shortage occupation list, the TSL is:

• The Temporary Shortage List 2025 is reviewed regularly, with roles added or removed depending on demand.
• Focused on addressing specific, time-sensitive shortages
• Intended to give both employers and Skilled Worker applicants more flexibility

Jobs listed on the TSL are eligible for:

• Jobs on the Temporary Shortage List UK salary scale qualify for lower thresholds compared with standard roles.
• Reduced visa application fees in certain cases
• Faster Home Office processing times

Why Has the UK Introduced a Temporary List?

The UK labour market has faced ongoing challenges in healthcare, construction, and hospitality. The TSL allows the government to:

• Respond quickly to staffing gaps
• Support industries that rely on a steady flow of skilled workers
• Ensure the immigration system remains flexible without committing to permanent changes

This short-term approach ensures that urgent needs can be met without locking in long-term immigration policy shifts.

Jobs that Appear on the UK Job Shortage List

The official UK jobs shortage list 2025 and the TSL will be updated frequently, but the following sectors are expected to feature heavily:

• Health and social care: carers, nurses, and support workers
• Construction and skilled trades: bricklayers, welders, carpenters, plasterers
• Hospitality: chefs and catering staff
• Specialist or seasonal roles where UK labour is not sufficient

Employers in these industries are most likely to benefit from reduced recruitment barriers through the TSL. These industries are frequently seen on the UK jobs shortage list, reflecting the government’s recognition of ongoing recruitment difficulties.

The full official list is usually published by the Home Office as a Temporary Shortage List UK PDF, which can be downloaded for reference

Latest Updates to the UK Skilled Shortage List

The UK skilled shortage list has long been the reference point for employers looking to sponsor overseas workers. With the introduction of the TSL, there are now two lists to consider:

• The Skilled Shortage List UK (longer-term needs)
• The Temporary Shortage List (TSL) (short-term, flexible additions)

This dual approach allows the government to maintain stability while still adapting to sudden shifts in the jobs market.

Impact on Skilled Worker Visa Applicants

For migrants, being offered a job on the Temporary Shortage List UK can be a huge advantage. Benefits include:

• Lower salary thresholds compared with non-shortage roles
• Reduced visa costs in some circumstances
• Greater chance of securing sponsorship from a UK employer

However, because the list is temporary, applicants must move quickly — jobs may be removed as soon as shortages are resolved.

What Employers Need to Know about the Temporary Shortage List

Employers sponsoring overseas workers should monitor the TSL closely. Advantages include:

• Lower upfront costs for sponsoring certain shortage roles
• Faster recruitment of overseas staff
• Flexibility in meeting urgent staffing needs

That said, employers must be prepared for change. A role included on the TSL this year may not remain eligible in future updates.

Which UK Work Visas Use the Temporary Shortage List (TSL)?

The Temporary Shortage List UK is closely tied to the Skilled Worker visa system. If your job is listed on the TSL, it directly affects your eligibility and the salary threshold required for your application.

The main visas connected to the TSL include:

• Skilled Worker Visa UK
  • The primary visa route that benefits from the TSL.
  • Applicants in shortage roles can qualify with a lower TSL salary threshold, making it easier to meet visa requirements.
• Health and Care Worker Visa
  • Roles such as nurses, carers, and support workers are regularly included on shortage lists.
  • The TSL ensures these jobs remain accessible for overseas applicants when staffing demand is high.
• Senior or Specialist Worker Visa (Global Business Mobility)
  • Although less common, some specialist roles transferred within multinational companies may appear on shortage lists, particularly in construction or technical fields.

It’s important to note that the TSL does not apply to every visa route. It is specifically designed to work with visas under the Skilled Worker framework where shortages exist, ensuring the UK can attract talent in critical areas while maintaining overall salary controls.

FAQs: UK Shortage Lists Explained

❓ What is the UK job shortage list?

The UK job shortage list sets out the roles where employers are struggling to recruit local workers. These jobs qualify for reduced visa fees and lower salary thresholds under the Skilled Worker visa.

❓ Is the Temporary Shortage List different from the UK occupation shortage list?

Yes. The UK occupation shortage list is a more permanent register of eligible roles, while the Temporary Shortage List (TSL) is updated more frequently to meet short-term labour demands.

❓ What is the UK occupational shortage list?

The UK occupational shortage list is another way of describing the shortage occupation list, which contains roles with ongoing, long-term skills shortages.

❓ How does the skills shortage list UK affect visa applicants?

If your role is on the skills shortage list UK, you may qualify for a Skilled Worker visa with a lower salary requirement and reduced fees compared to non-shortage roles.

❓ Does the Temporary Shortage List cover unskilled jobs?

Not exactly. While some roles may require lower qualifications, the TSL is different from what some call the unskilled shortage occupation list UK.

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