Shortage Occupation List

The Migration Advisory Committee ("the MAC") has undertaken a partial review of the shortage occupation list and published a report on 26 March 2010 recommending a number of changes. The recommendations include expanding the category for pharmacists to include 'community pharmacists' (this would include those who work for private employers rather than the NHS) and removing orchestral musician jobs that are not for leaders or principals of internationally recognised UK orchestras from the list.

A full review and report is due in the autumn.

Failure to leave the UK because of Volcanic Ash

The UK Border Agency has assured migrants who planned to leave the UK prior to the expiry of their immigration permission but where travel plans were disrupted by the volcanic ash that they will not be penalised and treated as overstayers as the circumstances are beyond their control. However, affected migrants must retain proof of their original planned travel arrangements that would have enabled them to leave the UK before their permission expired. The UK Border Agency is also warning that, since the reopening of most UK airports at 10pm on 20 April 2010, there are likely to be longer delays whilst they conduct passport checks.

London weighting and the Points-Based System

Employers are required to pay their Tier 2 migrants a minimum salary as deemed appropriate for the role and set out in the relevant Code of Practice. Currently, only some Codes of Practice specify different salaries for London, elsewhere in England and Wales and in Scotland.

On 29 March 2010 the Government asked the Migration Advisory Committee ("the MAC") to consider whether additional monies on offer to reflect London weighting and currently reflected in the minimum salaries as set out in the Codes of Practice should be excluded from the Codes to ensure that regional wage differences across the UK are appropriately reflected. The Government also asked what effect this would have on the UK's labour market and economy. The MAC is due to present this report by 17 May 2010. The MAC has not formally requested evidence but if you wish to contribute your views to the MAC please submit them:

  • by email to: mac@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk
  • by post to: MAC secretariat, 6th Floor, Advance House, 15 Wellesley Road, Croydon, CR0 2AG.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.