The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has launched a call for evidence on the interim Temporary Shortage List (TSL), seeking input from employers and other stakeholders.
The last significant overhaul of the Immigration Rules surrounding skilled workers took place on 22 July 2025. In addition to changes in salary thresholds, the number of eligible jobs under the skilled worker category were significantly reduced and sub-divided. There is a visible shift in stance encouraging employment of new talent for skilled roles at RQF level 6 or above as opposed to providing flexibility to recruit for medium skilled jobs placed between RQF levels 3 – 5, which was previously the case.
One of the sub-divisions was the new interim TSL. The TSL currently consists of approximately 52 medium skilled jobs open to new applicants seeking to apply for entry clearance or those seeking to switch to the skilled worker route or extend their existing permission. This is a significant reduction from the previously 180+ medium skilled roles identified as eligible under the previous Appendix Skilled Occupations.
The current TSL also comes with an expiry date of 31 December 2026. On 17 October 2025, the MAC formally invited stakeholders to contribute information and data to assist the MAC in determining which occupations will continue to be included on the TSL and which occupations may be added or removed post 31 December 2026. This is a welcome invitation as some sectors have experienced a sizable reduction in the pool of talent available for recruitment.
Some key factors to note about this call for evidence are:
- It will close on 02 February 2026.
- This is Stage 2 of the TSL review. The first stage was to implement an interim TSL.
- The MAC is expected to publish their findings in a report in July 2026.
- Implementation of a revised TSL is expected by 31 December 2026.
- Initially submissions will be via an online form.
- The call for evidence is open to two eligible groups i.e. government organisations and sector representative bodies.
Full guidance on if you are eligible to contribute and how to contribute can be found on the MAC’s Temporary Shortage List review: stage 2.
If you require assistance with understanding the current TSL and whether you can help reform it, one of our experts can answer your questions.
