Special school teachers and skilled meat boners and trimmers should be added to the UK’s shortage occupation list, according to a report by the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC).

The MAC has also called for the removal of some engineering and construction jobs from the shortage occupation list, as well as ship and hovercraft officers due to changing economic circumstances.

Skilled chefs should remain on the recommended list, says the MAC but expects to see accelerated efforts to train the UK workforce in this profession before the list is reviewed again next year.

Other additions recommended by the MAC are:

·     specialised jobs in the electricity transmission and distribution industry

·     some medical specialisms, including higher-level speciality paediatrics trainees

·     and aircraft technicians and fitters

Professor David Metcalf, who chairs the MAC, says: “The points-based system, including the shortage occupation list, has to operate for the benefit of UK workers, especially given the current economic climate.

“The MAC’s latest recommendations take account of the impact of the worldwide recession on the UK. We have looked at the evidence and made recommendations that balance the needs of the UK workforce against those of employers.

“It is important to note that some shortages of skilled labour will still exist in a recession. This can be where there is a long-term structural shortage of skilled workers, where workers provide key public services, or in areas such as culture where the UK needs to maintain global leadership.”