Many employers nonetheless seek for the scarcity occupation checklist UK when planning Expert Employee hires. But the authorized actuality has moved on. The outdated Scarcity Occupation Checklist has gone, whereas Appendix Expert Occupations now sits on the centre of labor visa sponsorship.
This information explains how Appendix Expert Occupations works in the present day. It additionally exhibits the way it hyperlinks to the previous scarcity lists, the brand new wage lists, and present sponsor duties.
For years, the Scarcity Occupation Checklist helped companies fill gaps. It allowed decrease wage thresholds and decrease visa charges in particular scarcity roles.
That place has modified.
- The Scarcity Occupation Checklist was withdrawn on 4 April 2024.
- It now not applies to new Expert Employee functions.
- It was changed first by the Immigration Wage Checklist.
- A more recent Non permanent Scarcity Checklist is now being launched in phases.
So when you nonetheless depend on any historic checklist of scarcity occupations within the UK, you danger incorrect wage provides and refusals.
Definition: The outdated UK scarcity occupation checklist was a Dwelling Workplace checklist of roles in confirmed nationwide scarcity that attracted decrease wage and visa necessities. It now not applies to new Expert Employee functions.
What’s Appendix Expert Occupations?
Appendix Expert Occupations is the official Dwelling Workplace checklist of SOC codes and wage ranges which are eligible for Expert Employee and associated routes. Each Sponsored job should match a code on this Appendix. The SOC 2020 occupation codes and going charges that qualify for:
Every line within the Appendix units out:
- The SOC 2020 code and job description
- Whether or not the function is eligible for a route
- The going price for that code
- The suitable talent stage (RQF band)
If a job is just not in Appendix Expert Occupations, it won’t qualify for Expert Employee sponsorship, no matter any abilities scarcity.
Right this moment, a number of instruments sit round Appendix Expert Occupations. Collectively they change what folks as soon as referred to as the united kingdom job scarcity checklist or nationwide occupation scarcity checklist uk.
Key Coverage Instruments In contrast
| Coverage device | Standing in 2025 | Fundamental objective | The place it hyperlinks to Appendix Expert Occupations |
| Scarcity Occupation Checklist (SOL) | Withdrawn for brand spanking new instances | Historic checklist for wage and charge reductions | Now not in power |
| Immigration Wage Checklist (ISL) | In power however being scaled again | Permits decrease wage thresholds for some SOC codes | Makes use of SOC codes from Appendix Expert Occupations |
| Non permanent Scarcity Checklist (TSL) | Being launched after July 2025 | Focuses on RQF 3 to five roles in scarcity and key sectors | Makes use of eligible codes drawn from Appendix tables |
| Appendix Expert Occupations | Totally in power and up to date usually | Defines which jobs are eligible and units going charges | Core checklist that each one different instruments construct upon |
In follow, you now comply with a two step course of:
- Verify that the function seems in Appendix Expert Occupations.
- Test whether or not the identical SOC code seems on the ISL or TSL.
If it does, the final wage threshold might cut back. If it doesn’t, you should meet the total Expert Employee threshold and the going price for that code.
Many seek for an unskilled scarcity occupation checklist UK. That idea doesn’t sit neatly with the present system.
The Expert Employee route now focuses on:
- Roles expert to RQF stage 6 and above
- Sure RQF 3 to five roles the place the federal government nonetheless permits sponsorship
- Some RQF 3 to five roles listed on the Non permanent Scarcity Checklist or related tables
Really low expert or entry stage roles will normally sit exterior Appendix Expert Occupations. They won’t qualify, even when employers face actual shortages. After the July 2025 modifications, Appendix Expert Occupations now splits into tables:
- Tables 1, 2 and three for RQF stage 6 and above
- Tables 1a, 2aa and 3a for RQF ranges 3 to five
Scarcity centered lists, such because the TSL, primarily pull from these RQF 3 to five tables. There are focused lists that sit on prime of Appendix Expert Occupations.
Step 1: Outline the Precise Job
Begin with the true duties, not a desired SOC code.
- Checklist the core duties and tasks.
- Notice required {qualifications} and expertise.
- Verify the traditional UK market stage for the function.
This helps you keep away from “shoehorning” the job into the fallacious code.
Step 2: Match the SOC Code
Subsequent, discover the closest match in Appendix Expert Occupations.
Search for:
- A code the place the instance job titles align
- An outline that displays everyday duties
- A talent stage that matches the function
If two codes seem shut, select the one which greatest displays the primary objective of the job.
Notice: Don’t improve a junior function into the next code simply to satisfy wage thresholds.
Step 3: Test Wage Thresholds
From 4 April 2024 and additional modifications from July 2025, Expert Employee salaries elevated.
Right this moment you should take into account:
- The final threshold, now £41,700 for brand spanking new Expert Staff
- Decrease bands reminiscent of £33,400 and £31,300 for sure instances
- The going price for the SOC code, based mostly on a 37.5 hour week
- Any low cost allowed by the Immigration Wage Checklist or Non permanent Scarcity Checklist
You need to meet the upper determine between the relevant normal threshold and the code’s going price, after any permitted low cost.
Step 4: Verify Checklist Interactions
At this stage, many employers once more consider a scarcity of occupation checklist UK. The sensible query now could be completely different.
Ask:
- Does this SOC code seem within the Appendix Immigration Wage Checklist?
- Does it seem within the new Non permanent Scarcity Checklist tables?
- Is the function in Scotland, the place some going charges differ?
If sure, then a decrease wage threshold might apply. If not, you should pay at or above the usual figures.
Beneath is a simplified instance to point out the construction. Figures are illustrative solely. All the time test the stay Guidelines and steerage.
| Situation | Appendix Expert Occupations standing | ISL / TSL standing | Sensible affect for employer |
| Engineer function in SOC code at RQF 6 | Eligible in Desk 1 with set going price | Not on any scarcity checklist | Should meet normal threshold and full going price |
| Well being function in SOC code at RQF 6 | Eligible in Desk 2 for Well being and Care | On Immigration Wage Checklist | Can depend on diminished threshold, nonetheless meet going price the place required |
| Technical function at RQF 3 to five | Eligible in Desk 1a as medium talent | On Non permanent Scarcity Checklist | Can entry Expert Employee route regardless of decrease talent band, topic to situations |
This construction replaces the older, single UK job scarcity checklist method. The system now ties each resolution again to Appendix Expert Occupations.
Some employers ask whether or not there’s a separate England abilities scarcity checklist or devolved nationwide checklist. The truth is extra layered:
- Appendix Expert Occupations applies throughout the UK.
- The Immigration Wage Checklist has separate entries for various nations and areas.
- The TSL might spotlight sectors linked to the UK industrial technique.
Completely different tables typically present completely different going charges for Scotland, Wales or particular UK areas. For employer planning, which means:
- Don’t assume a single nationwide nationwide occupation scarcity checklist UK.
- All the time learn the right regional column within the wage or scarcity desk.
1. Misaligned SOC Code
If the code doesn’t match the true function, caseworkers might refuse. Typical crimson flags embody:
- Job title suggests a junior function, code suggests a senior function.
- Duties are primarily administrative, code suits an expert function.
- Wage sits far beneath regular market charges for that SOC code.
2. Out of Date Reliance on the Previous Scarcity Occupation Checklist UK
Some HR groups nonetheless use printed copies of the outdated Scarcity Occupation Checklist. That creates danger. These entries now not carry any authorized weight for brand spanking new Expert Employee visas.
3. Wage too Near the Minimal
Salaries that simply meet the edge can fail over time.
- Annual pay critiques might lag behind up to date going charges.
- New ASHE information can carry the required determine.
If the wage falls beneath the brand new required stage at extension or settlement stage, the employee might now not qualify.
4. Ignoring Future Reform
The federal government has already signalled additional critiques of the TSL and ISL. Plans can fail if employers fixate on a single checklist with out watching future coverage.
From an applicant’s view, Appendix Expert Occupations solutions three fundamental questions.
- Does my job qualify for a Expert Employee visa?
- What minimal wage should my employer pay?
- How safe is my path to extension and settlement?
Sensible ideas for people:
- Ask your employer for the precise SOC code they plan to make use of.
- Test that code towards your actual duties and {qualifications}.
- Examine the supplied wage with the going price and normal threshold.
- Test whether or not your code is on any present scarcity or wage checklist.
If these parts line up, your case rests on a stronger footing.
Is There Nonetheless a UK Scarcity Occupation Checklist?
No. The Scarcity Occupation Checklist was withdrawn on 4 April 2024 for brand spanking new Expert Employee instances. It was changed by the Immigration Wage Checklist, and now the Non permanent Scarcity Checklist is being launched for sure roles.
What Changed the Scarcity Occupation Checklist UK?
The Immigration Wage Checklist changed the SOL in April 2024. It provides some roles decrease wage thresholds throughout the Expert Employee and Well being and Care Employee routes. A brand new Non permanent Scarcity Checklist is now being developed to focus on particular RQF 3 to five roles and key sectors.
How Does Appendix Expert Occupations Hyperlink to These Lists?
Appendix Expert Occupations gives the SOC codes and going charges. The ISL and TSL then choose a few of these codes and apply modified wage guidelines. The code should seem in Appendix Expert Occupations earlier than any checklist can help.
Is There a Separate England Expertise Scarcity Checklist?
Not within the outdated sense. Appendix Expert Occupations is UK large. Some tables and wage lists have regional variations for Scotland or different areas, however there isn’t a stand alone England checklist.
Can Low Expert Roles Seem on Any Scarcity Checklist?
Solely in restricted instances. Most roles beneath RQF stage 3 don’t qualify for Expert Employee sponsorship. Some RQF 3 to five roles can seem on the Non permanent Scarcity Checklist, however they nonetheless want an identical code in Appendix Expert Occupations.
How Usually do Appendix Expert Occupations and the Lists Change?
The Dwelling Workplace updates the Guidelines to replicate new wage information, coverage modifications and Migration Advisory Committee recommendation. Salaries elevated in April 2024 and once more in July 2025. Additional critiques are anticipated. All the time test the stay model of the Guidelines earlier than assigning a Certificates of Sponsorship.
The interplay between Appendix Expert Occupations, the ISL, the TSL and native pay norms may be complicated. Errors can value time, cash and workers retention.
You need to take specialist recommendation the place:
- The function sits on the margin between two SOC codes.
- Salaries are near the edge or band modifications.
- You need to sponsor a number of roles throughout completely different UK areas.
- The employee wants a transparent path to settlement.
An skilled UK immigration agency like A Y & J Solicitors can:
- Audit your present use of SOC codes and wage bands.
- Map your roles towards Appendix Expert Occupations and stay lists.
- Present technique for future hiring in mild of upcoming reforms.
If you’re nonetheless working from an outdated scarcity occupation checklist uk printout, your course of wants an pressing refresh. Map your key roles towards Appendix Expert Occupations now. Test which codes nonetheless profit from the Immigration Wage Checklist or the Non permanent Scarcity Checklist. Then regulate your recruitment, reward and sponsorship technique earlier than your subsequent rent.
For tailor-made steerage on Appendix Expert Occupations, scarcity centered lists and Expert Employee sponsorship, guide a name with us at A Y & J Solicitors and communicate to a specialist UK immigration lawyer earlier than you assign your subsequent Certificates of Sponsorship.
