Make UK calls for immigration reform to tackle manufacturing skills shortages

Make UK is calling on the Government to accept the Migration Advisory Committee's recommendations to include six advanced manufacturing occupations on the Temporary Shortage List, including:

• Engineering and electrical technicians
• Planning, process and production technicians
• Sheet metal workers and welding trades
• Metal machining setters and setter-operators

This would help allow manufacturers to recruit skilled workers from overseas while also developing the domestic workforce.

Engineering and manufacturing apprenticeship starts are 40% lower than a decade ago, and inadequate funding continues to restrict access to technical training.

Make UK is calling for:

• An increase in the maximum apprenticeship funding band from £27,000 to £35,000
• Additional revenue from the Immigration Skills Charge to fund training in shortage occupations
• Immigration policy to recognise that technical apprenticeships typically take three to four years to complete 

Our report raises serious concerns about proposed changes to permanent settlement, which would increase the standard qualifying period from five to 10 years, rising to 15 years for workers recruited through the Temporary Shortage List.

These changes risk making the UK less attractive to international talent at a time when manufacturers are already struggling to fill critical vacancies. Longer settlement periods would also increase visa sponsorship costs for employers and create greater uncertainty for workers and their families, potentially driving skilled employees towards countries offering more accessible routes to permanent residency.