Many employers still search for the shortage occupation list UK when planning Skilled Worker hires. Yet the legal reality has moved on. The old Shortage Occupation List has gone, while Appendix Skilled Occupations now sits at the centre of work visa sponsorship.
Quick Facts:
- The UK Shortage Occupation List was withdrawn in April 2024 and no longer applies to new Skilled Worker visa applications.
- Appendix Skilled Occupations now sits at the centre of work visa eligibility, defining which roles qualify, their SOC codes, skill levels, and going rates.
- Salary discounts may apply only if a role also appears on the Immigration Salary List or the new Temporary Shortage List, and even then the SOC code must first be eligible in the appendix.
- Relying on outdated shortage lists or misaligned SOC codes is a common cause of refusals, making accurate salary and role mapping essential in 2025.
This guide explains how Appendix Skilled Occupations works today. It also shows how it links to the former shortage lists, the new salary lists, and current sponsor duties.
Table of Contents
What Happened to the Shortage Occupation List UK?
For years, the Shortage Occupation List helped businesses fill gaps. It allowed lower salary thresholds and lower visa fees in specific shortage roles.
That position has changed.
- The Shortage Occupation List was withdrawn on 4 April 2024.
- It no longer applies to new Skilled Worker applications.
- It was replaced first by the Immigration Salary List.
- A newer Temporary Shortage List is now being introduced in stages.
So if you still rely on any historic list of shortage occupations in the UK, you risk incorrect salary offers and refusals.
Definition: The old UK shortage occupation list was a Home Office list of roles in proven national shortage that attracted lower salary and visa requirements. It no longer applies to new Skilled Worker applications.
How Appendix Skilled Occupations Fits into This Picture
What is Appendix Skilled Occupations?
Appendix Skilled Occupations is the official Home Office list of SOC codes and salary levels that are eligible for Skilled Worker and related routes. Every Sponsored job must match a code in this Appendix. The SOC 2020 occupation codes and going rates that qualify for:
Each line in the Appendix sets out:
- The SOC 2020 code and job description
- Whether the role is eligible for a route
- The going rate for that code
- The appropriate skill level (RQF band)
If a job is not in Appendix Skilled Occupations, it will not qualify for Skilled Worker sponsorship, regardless of any skills shortage.
From Shortage Occupation List UK to Modern Salary and Shortage Tools
Today, several tools sit around Appendix Skilled Occupations. Together they replace what people once called the uk job shortage list or national occupation shortage list uk.
Key Policy Tools Compared
| Policy tool | Status in 2025 | Main purpose | Where it links to Appendix Skilled Occupations |
| Shortage Occupation List (SOL) | Withdrawn for new cases | Historic list for salary and fee discounts | No longer in force |
| Immigration Salary List (ISL) | In force but being scaled back | Allows lower salary thresholds for some SOC codes | Uses SOC codes from Appendix Skilled Occupations |
| Temporary Shortage List (TSL) | Being introduced after July 2025 | Focuses on RQF 3 to 5 roles in shortage and key sectors | Uses eligible codes drawn from Appendix tables |
| Appendix Skilled Occupations | Fully in force and updated regularly | Defines which jobs are eligible and sets going rates | Core list that all other tools build upon |
In practice, you now follow a two step process:
- Confirm that the role appears in Appendix Skilled Occupations.
- Check whether the same SOC code appears on the ISL or TSL.
If it does, the general salary threshold may reduce. If it does not, you must meet the full Skilled Worker threshold and the going rate for that code.
Skill Levels, “Unskilled” Work and Shortage Roles
Many search for an unskilled shortage occupation list UK. That concept does not sit neatly with the current system.
The Skilled Worker route now focuses on:
- Roles skilled to RQF level 6 and above
- Certain RQF 3 to 5 roles where the government still allows sponsorship
- Some RQF 3 to 5 roles listed on the Temporary Shortage List or similar tables
Truly low skilled or entry level roles will usually sit outside Appendix Skilled Occupations. They will not qualify, even if employers face real shortages. After the July 2025 changes, Appendix Skilled Occupations now splits into tables:
- Tables 1, 2 and 3 for RQF level 6 and above
- Tables 1a, 2aa and 3a for RQF levels 3 to 5
Shortage focused lists, such as the TSL, mainly pull from these RQF 3 to 5 tables. There are targeted lists that sit on top of Appendix Skilled Occupations.
Using Appendix Skilled Occupations Step by Step
Step 1: Define the Actual Job
Start with the real duties, not a desired SOC code.
- List the core tasks and responsibilities.
- Note required qualifications and experience.
- Confirm the normal UK market level for the role.
This helps you avoid “shoehorning” the job into the wrong code.
Step 2: Match the SOC Code
Next, find the closest match in Appendix Skilled Occupations.
Look for:
- A code where the example job titles align
- A description that reflects day to day duties
- A skill level that fits the role
If two codes appear close, choose the one that best reflects the main purpose of the job.
Note: Do not upgrade a junior role into a higher code just to meet salary thresholds.
Step 3: Check Salary Thresholds
From 4 April 2024 and further changes from July 2025, Skilled Worker salaries increased.
Today you must consider:
- The general threshold, now £41,700 for new Skilled Workers
- Lower bands such as £33,400 and £31,300 for certain cases
- The going rate for the SOC code, based on a 37.5 hour week
- Any discount allowed by the Immigration Salary List or Temporary Shortage List
You must meet the higher figure between the applicable general threshold and the code’s going rate, after any permitted discount.
Step 4: Confirm List Interactions
At this stage, many employers again think of a shortage of occupation list UK. The practical question now is different.
Ask:
- Does this SOC code appear in the Appendix Immigration Salary List?
- Does it appear in the new Temporary Shortage List tables?
- Is the role in Scotland, where some going rates differ?
If yes, then a lower salary threshold may apply. If not, you must pay at or above the standard figures.
How Shortage Lists Now Interact with Appendix Skilled Occupations
Below is a simplified example to show the structure. Figures are illustrative only. Always check the live Rules and guidance.
| Scenario | Appendix Skilled Occupations status | ISL / TSL status | Practical impact for employer |
| Engineer role in SOC code at RQF 6 | Eligible in Table 1 with set going rate | Not on any shortage list | Must meet general threshold and full going rate |
| Health role in SOC code at RQF 6 | Eligible in Table 2 for Health and Care | On Immigration Salary List | Can rely on reduced threshold, still meet going rate where required |
| Technical role at RQF 3 to 5 | Eligible in Table 1a as medium skill | On Temporary Shortage List | Can access Skilled Worker route despite lower skill band, subject to conditions |
This structure replaces the older, single UK job shortage list approach. The system now ties every decision back to Appendix Skilled Occupations.
“England Skills Shortage List” and Beyond
Some employers ask whether there is a separate England skills shortage list or devolved national list. The reality is more layered:
- Appendix Skilled Occupations applies across the UK.
- The Immigration Salary List has separate entries for different nations and regions.
- The TSL may highlight sectors linked to the UK industrial strategy.
Different tables sometimes show different going rates for Scotland, Wales or specific UK regions. For employer planning, that means:
- Do not assume a single nationwide national occupation shortage list UK.
- Always read the correct regional column in the salary or shortage table.
Common Risks When Using Appendix Skilled Occupations
1. Misaligned SOC Code
If the code does not match the real role, caseworkers may refuse. Typical red flags include:
- Job title suggests a junior role, code suggests a senior role.
- Duties are mainly administrative, code fits a professional role.
- Salary sits far below normal market rates for that SOC code.
2. Out of Date Reliance on the Old Shortage Occupation List UK
Some HR teams still use printed copies of the old Shortage Occupation List. That creates risk. Those entries no longer carry any legal weight for new Skilled Worker visas.
3. Salary too Close to the Minimum
Salaries that just meet the threshold can fail over time.
- Annual pay reviews may lag behind updated going rates.
- New ASHE data can lift the required figure.
If the salary falls below the new required level at extension or settlement stage, the worker may no longer qualify.
4. Ignoring Future Reform
The government has already signalled further reviews of the TSL and ISL. Plans can fail if employers fixate on a single list without watching future policy.
How Migrants Should Read Appendix Skilled Occupations
From an applicant’s view, Appendix Skilled Occupations answers three basic questions.
- Does my job qualify for a Skilled Worker visa?
- What minimum salary must my employer pay?
- How secure is my route to extension and settlement?
Practical tips for individuals:
- Ask your employer for the exact SOC code they plan to use.
- Check that code against your real duties and qualifications.
- Compare the offered salary with the going rate and general threshold.
- Check whether your code is on any current shortage or salary list.
If those elements line up, your case rests on a stronger footing.
FAQs on Appendix Skilled Occupations and the Shortage Occupation List
Is There Still a UK Shortage Occupation List?
No. The Shortage Occupation List was withdrawn on 4 April 2024 for new Skilled Worker cases. It was replaced by the Immigration Salary List, and now the Temporary Shortage List is being introduced for certain roles.
What Replaced the Shortage Occupation List UK?
The Immigration Salary List replaced the SOL in April 2024. It gives some roles lower salary thresholds within the Skilled Worker and Health and Care Worker routes. A new Temporary Shortage List is now being developed to target specific RQF 3 to 5 roles and key sectors.
How Does Appendix Skilled Occupations Link to These Lists?
Appendix Skilled Occupations provides the SOC codes and going rates. The ISL and TSL then select some of those codes and apply modified salary rules. The code must appear in Appendix Skilled Occupations before any list can assist.
Is There a Separate England Skills Shortage List?
Not in the old sense. Appendix Skilled Occupations is UK wide. Some tables and salary lists have regional variations for Scotland or other areas, but there is no stand alone England list.
Can Low Skilled Roles Appear on Any Shortage List?
Only in limited cases. Most roles below RQF level 3 do not qualify for Skilled Worker sponsorship. Some RQF 3 to 5 roles can appear on the Temporary Shortage List, but they still need a matching code in Appendix Skilled Occupations.
How Often do Appendix Skilled Occupations and the Lists Change?
The Home Office updates the Rules to reflect new salary data, policy changes and Migration Advisory Committee advice. Salaries increased in April 2024 and again in July 2025. Further reviews are expected. Always check the live version of the Rules before assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship.
When to Seek Legal Advice
The interaction between Appendix Skilled Occupations, the ISL, the TSL and local pay norms can be complex. Mistakes can cost time, money and staff retention.
You should take specialist advice where:
- The role sits on the margin between two SOC codes.
- Salaries are close to the threshold or band changes.
- You want to sponsor several roles across different UK regions.
- The worker needs a clear route to settlement.
An experienced UK immigration firm like A Y & J Solicitors can:
- Audit your current use of SOC codes and salary bands.
- Map your roles against Appendix Skilled Occupations and live lists.
- Provide strategy for future hiring in light of upcoming reforms.
If you are still working from an old shortage occupation list uk printout, your process needs an urgent refresh. Map your key roles against Appendix Skilled Occupations now. Check which codes still benefit from the Immigration Salary List or the Temporary Shortage List. Then adjust your recruitment, reward and sponsorship strategy before your next hire.
For tailored guidance on Appendix Skilled Occupations, shortage focused lists and Skilled Worker sponsorship, book a call with us at A Y & J Solicitors and speak to a specialist UK immigration lawyer before you assign your next Certificate of Sponsorship.
