Overseas bricklayers and carpenters could be able to get work visas more easily in the UK after the UK government updated its shortage occupation list.

The list, which now also includes roofers and plasterers, highlights occupations that employers are struggling to fill.

However, hospitality, which has had problems recruiting, was not included.

The change in construction workers is not expected to make a major difference to overall migration figures.

Government advisors in the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) looked at 26 occupations in construction and hospitality and recommended five for inclusion on the shortage occupations list.

The committee did not recommend any hospitality occupations be included, although it said Brexit and the pandemic had “significant effects” on both sectors.

The five occupations approved by the committee are:

• Bricklayers and masons
• Roofers, roof tilers, and slaters
• Carpenters and joiners
• Construction and building trades n.e.c
• Plasterers

People on the shortage occupation list are able to apply for a skilled worker visa to come and work in the UK.

The construction and hospitality shortage review, published on the same day as the Budget, reveals vacancies have risen strongly in both hospitality and construction, relative to pre-pandemic levels.

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