29 October 2025

The Government has introduced a new Temporary Shortage List (TSL) designed to help employers access RQF level 3 – 5 skills from abroad on a temporary basis where there is a proven long-term shortage and if the skills are deemed crucial for critical infrastructure and delivery of the UK Industrial Strategy. 

The 82 occupations currently listed, which include boat builders and repairers, engineers, and electrical and electronic technicians, are now being reviewed by the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) as part of its Stage 2 process to finalise the TSL by July next year.   

To aid this review the MAC has opened a Call for Evidence giving British Marine an opportunity to provide evidence from its members as to why specific occupations, such as engineers or boat builders, identified in TSL Stage 1 Report (May 2025) should remain on TSL.    

All occupations listed will be subject to further substantial tests, regarding evidence on the shortage now and in the near future; whether it is sensible for migration to have a role in reducing the shortage; and whether sectors that rely on those occupations already have credible plans in place to maximise use of the domestic workforce. The MAC does not expect all 82 occupations to meet its tests and the guidance it has published for representative bodies wishing to respond to the Call for Evidence indicates the breadth and depth of evidence that will be required to successfully influence the TSL review.  

Although the Call for Evidence remains open until 2 February 2026 we ask that any British Marine member wishing to inform this process to email British Marine’s External Affairs Manager, Joanna Richardson, jrichardson@britishmarine.co.uk by 1 December.   British Marine will only respond to the Call for Evidence if sufficient evidence can be gathered from members.