Hays is predicting an increase in Canadian, Australian and New Zealand teachers in the UK, despite changes to immigration legislation.

Recruiters have previously aired concerns that the shortage occupations list, a list of shortage occupations that the UK uses to assess work permit applications for non-EU applicants, will create teacher shortages, particularly in London, which relies on teachers from Australasia and Canada.

Andrew Anastasiou, national business manager at Hays Education, told Recruiter: “Whilst we are envisaging that the introduction of the skilled workers list will bring in maths and science teachers, we must remember that the skilled workers list isn’t the only option for immigration. For example, we will also be targeting candidates through the Tier 5 Youth Mobility Scheme, which will bring in even more teachers from Australia, New Zealand and Canada. It is also important that schools are adequately educated so that they are aware of the new changes and apply for a sponsors’ licence.”
 
He adds: “There are currently shortages across all areas of teaching – secondary and primary level, across the majority of teaching disciplines. In particular, there is a significant headteacher crisis affecting schools across the UK. We are actively working with the NCSL to combat these skills shortages.”  

Tier two of the points-based immigration legislation, which came into force on 27 November, covers skilled workers with job offers. Employers have to sponsor employees from outside the EU and take on criminal liability and an increased administrative burden. Tier five covers youth mobility and temporary workers allowed to stay in the UK for a limited period of time.