Call for Evidence from the Migration Advisory Committee: Temporary Shortage Occupation List Review

Background

In July 2025, the Home Secretary commissioned the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) to conduct a comprehensive review of the Temporary Shortage Occupation List (TSL). This review is structured in two stages:

Stage 1 (published October 2025): MAC identified occupations that are potentially critical to the delivery of the UK’s Industrial Strategy or the construction of essential infrastructure. These roles were deemed eligible for further consideration for inclusion on the TSL.
Stage 2 (October 2025 – July 2026): MAC is now seeking detailed evidence on the occupations shortlisted in Stage 1 to determine which should be formally recommended for inclusion on the TSL.

This call for evidence is a key component of Stage 2 and aims to gather sector-specific insights into workforce shortages and the strategic efforts underway to address them.

Scope of Evidence

Submissions should focus exclusively on occupations identified in Stage 1. Evidence related to roles outside this scope—including those at RQF levels 1–2 or 6+—will not be considered. A full list of eligible occupations is available in the occupation mapping document and Annex A of the Stage 1 report.

To qualify for inclusion on the TSL, each occupation must be supported by a robust and forward-looking workforce strategy, referred to as a “jobs plan.” These plans must include:

A comprehensive skills strategy
Collaboration with the Department for Work and Pensions on domestic labour initiatives
Measures to mitigate exploitation risks, especially for migrant workers

How to Respond

The call for evidence is structured around two questionnaires:

Government organisations submitting jobs plans
Representative bodies providing supplementary evidence

Recognising that government departments cannot deliver these plans alone, MAC encourages employers and sector organisations to actively engage in their development. If you believe your organisation should be involved but has not yet participated, contact the relevant sector representative listed in the mapping document.

Some sectors are actively inviting evidence submissions to support their jobs plans. Where contact details are provided, you may reach out directly. If no contact is listed, email MAC at tslsubmissions@mac.gov.uk and your submission will be forwarded appropriately.

Representative bodies wishing to submit additional evidence outside the core jobs plans should use the designated online form.

Responses must be submitted before the closing date of 2 February 2026.

Use of Information

All evidence collected will be analysed in collaboration with the Labour Market Evidence Group (LMEG), which includes:

The Industrial Strategy Advisory Council
Department for Work and Pensions
Skills England
Devolved government equivalents
The MAC

For details on how personal data will be handled, please refer to the MAC’s privacy notice for consultations and calls for evidence.

Need Help Preparing Your Submission?

If you require assistance with preparing your response to the call for evidence, Cleaver Fulton Rankin Solicitors are available to provide expert legal and strategic guidance. Their team can support you in interpreting the requirements, compiling robust evidence, and ensuring your submission aligns with MAC’s expectations. Contact Cleaver Fulton Rankin today to discuss how they can assist your organisation in contributing effectively to this important national review.

This article has been produced for general information purposes and further advice should be sought from a professional advisor. Our Business Immigration team at Cleaver Fulton Rankin can provide you with the specialist advice you need.