Temporary Shortage List expires 31 December; employers face medium-skill sponsorship cliff
The UK's Temporary Shortage List, which allows medium-skilled trades and technical roles to qualify for Skilled Worker sponsorship below degree level, expires on 31 December 2026. Employers and overseas workers have three months to secure sponsorship before tighter rules take effect.
The UK's pathway for sponsoring medium-skilled workers faces imminent closure. The Temporary Shortage List allows specified medium-skilled occupations to qualify for Skilled Worker sponsorship despite falling below the route's usual RQF Level 6 threshold, and the current interim list remains in force until 31 December 2026.
This temporary reprieve followed the government's July 2025 decision to raise the general Skilled Worker threshold to RQF Level 6 (degree level), which removed around 180 "medium-skilled" occupations between RQF level 3 and level 5 from eligibility. The TSL was introduced as an interim measure to prevent skilled trades and technical roles from becoming entirely inaccessible. Now, the MAC has recommended 28 occupations for provisional access from January 2027 until the end of June 2028, but those recommendations do not change the Immigration Rules unless accepted and implemented by the Government.
Uncertainty for skilled trades and employers
Occupations on the TSL can be removed without notice, so employers have to stay alert to updates. Those who fail to plan workforce transitions or secure domestic replacements risk skills gaps and visa refusals once roles are withdrawn.
Affected sectors include skilled trades (electricians, plumbers, carpenters), healthcare support, hospitality supervisors, and certain technical roles. The list mainly focuses on sectors experiencing ongoing labour shortages where UK employers are struggling to recruit enough workers locally.
If you are an overseas tradesperson or technician currently on a Skilled Worker visa under the TSL, or considering applying for sponsorship in a medium-skilled role, act before year-end. Roles on the TSL remain subject to the standard Skilled Worker salary and sponsorship requirements. After 31 December 2026, unless your occupation is formally added to a new permanent list by the government, employers may no longer be able to sponsor you for that role—even if skills shortages persist. Discuss transition plans with your employer and immigration adviser now.
Sources
Independent app, not a government. General information, not advice. The official source:
