UK opens doors to skilled workers amid rising demand

The UK is looking for skilled professionals in several sectors to fill staff shortages.

In the UK labour market, foreign workers have opportunities in the healthcare, technology and construction sectors.

TravelBiz reports that the UK government has recognised the need for skilled workers, which has resulted in the creation of various visa pathways for talented people from abroad.

The aim of this action is to fill gaps in key industries and support the economy.

Reports indicate that employers in key sectors are now offering a number of positions with visa sponsorship, with the focus being on filling gaps in technology, healthcare and skilled trades sectors where there is a shortage of domestic talent.

Skill gaps create opportunities

Reports show that the country is facing a shortage of skilled workers, especially in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), healthcare and construction.

These shortages are creating opportunities for overseas workers as UK employers look to sponsor skilled candidates.

The lack of skilled workers is affecting growth and innovation in many sectors, causing employers to look abroad for talented workers.

High demand sectors

According to TravelBiz, several sectors are currently facing an urgent shortage of skilled workers:

1. STEM:With increasing investment in research and innovation, roles in engineering, data science and IT are in high demand. Salaries for these positions are competitive.

2. Artificial Intelligence:The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence technologies has created a demand for specialists in data analysis and machine learning.

3. Healthcare:An ageing population and growing healthcare needs have led to shortages of healthcare personnel, including doctors and nurses.

4. Construction and trade:The UK is in need of more construction workers, electricians and plumbers, prompting a move to recruit workers from abroad.

Professions wanted in 2025

The UK labour market has identified several key roles for 2025:

Software engineers:Salary ranges from £40,000 to £100,000. Requirements include a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science.
Data scientists: Salaries range from £45,000 to £85,000. Applicants typically require a Masters in Data Science.
Nurses:Salary between £27,000 and £50,000, Nursing qualification and registration required.
Construction Engineers:Salary ranges from £30,000 to £70,000 and a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering is required.

How to Find Authorized Employers

To get a job in the UK, overseas workers must find employers licensed to sponsor work visas.

Candidates can verify potential employers by:

by visiting the UK Government Register of Licensed Sponsors. It is important to ensure that the employer sponsorship licence is valid for the type of work intended.

Employer name search.
Make sure your employer sponsorship license is valid for your type of work.

UK Work Visa Options

Reports indicate that the UK offers several categories of work visas that are designed to attract skilled professionals:

1. Visa for a skilled worker:This popular visa requires a job offer from a licensed sponsor and proof of English language proficiency.

2. Health and Care Worker Visa:This visa is designed specifically for healthcare workers and comes with lower application fees and an exemption from the immigration surcharge to cover healthcare costs.

3. Global Talent Visa:This visa is for highly qualified individuals in the fields of science, engineering and digital technology. It does not require a job offer but does require approval from a recognised UK institution.

4. Intra-company transfer visa:This visa is for employees of international companies relocating to a UK branch and requires prior employment with the company.

Work visa application process

As shown, the application process typically involves several steps:

Secure job offer: Find a position with visa sponsorship.
Receive a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): Your employer will provide these essential references.
Prepare your application: Gather all required documents, including proof of qualifications and English language proficiency.
Apply: Apply online via the UK Visa and Immigration website.
Fees: Fees vary depending on the visa type and validity period.
Go to your biometrics appointment: Go to the visa center to provide your biometrics.

By understanding the specific requirements of each visa, applicants can navigate the process efficiently, gaining access to the wide range of career advancements available in the UK labour market.