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<p>Given the wider economic impact of the global pandemic and the number of UK based
workers facing uncertainty about their employment or the need to find a new job at
this time, the Government believes it is right our global points-based systems encourages
employers to look to domestic recruitment and skills training in the first instance,
rather than immigration,</p><p>In March 2020, the Government commissioned the Migration
Advisory Committee (MAC) to advise on the composition of the Shortage Occupation Lists
(SOL) in light of the expanded skills threshold of the new Skilled Worker route, which
came into effect on 1 December.</p><p>The MAC published its findings and recommendations
on 29 September. The Government welcomed the MAC’s comprehensive advice, which included
a recommendation to add bricklayers and masons; however, we do not consider changes
to the immigration rules or the SOLs should be made at this time, before assessing
how the UK labour market develops post-Covid 19 and in response to the introduction
of the new Points-Based Immigration System. Immigration policy should be considered
alongside the strategies for the UK Labour Market not in isolation to them.</p><p>As
published on 22 October, the Immigration Rules for the new Points-Based Immigration
System include an Appendix Shortage Occupation Lists. This replaces the existing lists
under Appendix K. The contents are the same.</p>
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