Britain needs you! (but only if you can dance or shear sheep)

Thursday, 11th September 2008

Written by Francesca Cookney

A draft list published by a government advisory board named maths teachers, sheep shearers and ballet dancers among the occupations with shortages of workers.

The full list comes as Britain sets out its new rules on immigration and includes chefs, jockeys, as well as specialist civil engineers, medical consultants, veterinary surgeons and hovercraft officers. It is designed to make it easier to employ workers from outside the European Economic Area but only if your field or industry is listed.

Skilled workers from employment backgrounds not featured on the list will find it harder to gain entry to the UK; employers wishing to take on these people will need to prove that they cannot find such skills already in the country. Not only this but prospective immigrants will also need to demonstrate they have enough funds to cover their first month or so and the country and are able to speak English. Sounds pretty strict but for some it's looking good.

"We are celebrating," said Nur-Ur Rahman Khondaker, secretary general of the Bangladesh Caterers Association upon hearing that ethnic catering jobs are among those classified as a shortage occupation. He has been lobbying for some time to get the industry recognised amid fears that they could face prohibitions on bringing in staff from their home countries.

The UK will be also adopting the Australian points system in order to better monitor the immigration levels and ensure that only the skills that Britain needs are allowed in.

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