Immigration
United Kingdom | MAC commissioned to review perceived reliance on international recruitment for IT and engineering roles
Summary
Further to a recent Government announcement, the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has been formally commissioned by the new UK Government to study and report back on perceived ‘reliance’ of employers on overseas recruitment in the IT and Engineering sectors.
We expect the MAC to seek input from employers, particularly in IT and Engineering, and Vialto will be available to assist with the coordination. Please look out for further emails from us on how to participate.
The MAC’s deadline to present its findings is May 2025.
The Detail
When commissioning the MAC the new Government stated a belief that:
“The current high levels of international recruitment reflect weaknesses in the labour market including persistent skills shortages in the UK”.
It also affirmed a commitment to “bring down the high levels of migration”.
Accordingly, the MAC has been asked to look at key occupations to understand the reasons behind what the Government perceives to be a ‘reliance’ by employers on international recruitment in key sectors. IT and Engineering occupations have been selected first.
Employers must select a Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code when assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to a migrant worker they intend to sponsor. IT and Engineering SOC codes are used on a very high percentage of CoS and the government is keen to understand why.
As part of its new commission the MAC has been asked to look at:
In reaching its findings the MAC will work with the newly formed Skills England with its responsibility for identifying skills gaps across the labour market, the Industrial Strategy Council, plus input from DWP.
Further occupational groups are expected to be reviewed in due course.
The MAC has been given a deadline of 9 months (May 2025) to report back on the above questions. The MAC has yet to formally respond to its new commission, however, as part of the detailed research it will undertake, we expect significant stakeholder engagement. As such, we will be sure to keep you updated and let you know how we can assist you in playing a key part in helping shape future UK immigration policy in key areas of importance to your business.
Contact us
For further information and support on the above, please reach out to your Vialto Partners point of contact, or alternatively:
Lyudmyla Davies
Partner (Solicitor)
Ian Robinson
Partner
Andrea Als
Director (Solicitor)
Tom Marsom
Director (Solicitor)
Lucy Vaux
Senior Manager (Solicitor)