Data Analysts 2026: Migration Advisory Committee Recommends 28 Occupations for New Temporary Shortage List

Published: 26 July 2026

The UK’s Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has recommended 28 occupations for inclusion on the government’s new Temporary Shortage List (TSL), significantly reducing the number from the 52 occupations originally proposed on the interim list.

The recommendations, published on 23 July 2026 as part of the second stage of the MAC’s review, suggest removing 24 occupations, including roles in human resources, business sales, legal services, advertising, marketing, and creative professions such as authors, writers, and photographers.

It is now up to the UK Government to decide whether to accept the recommendations and announce any transitional arrangements for employers and workers already using the current sponsorship rules.

What Is the Temporary Shortage List?

The Temporary Shortage List (TSL) allows UK employers to continue sponsoring overseas workers for selected RQF Level 3–5 occupations under the Skilled Worker visa route, despite wider immigration reforms restricting sponsorship for most jobs below degree level.

If approved, the new list would remain in place for an initial 18-month period, from January 2027 to June 2028, giving industries time to strengthen domestic recruitment before the next review.

Occupations Recommended for Inclusion

Of the 28 occupations recommended:

• 20 occupations are already on the interim list.
• 8 occupations are newly recommended.

The proposed list includes roles across engineering, manufacturing, construction, digital infrastructure, and technical professions.

Some of the recommended occupations include:

• Electrical and Electronics Engineers
• Engineering Technologists
• Data Analysts
• Web Content Technicians and Database Administrators
• Telecommunications Network Installers and Repairers
• Civil Engineering and Building Technicians
• Process, Planning and Production Technicians
• Electrical Fitters and Electricians
• Welders
• Pipefitters
• Plumbers
• Joiners and Carpenters
• Roofers
• Builders and Construction Trades
• CAD, Draughting and Building Technicians
• Chemical and Associated Process Operatives

The inclusion of Data Analysts highlights the continued demand for digital and technology professionals within the UK labour market.

Occupations Recommended for Removal

The MAC has recommended removing several occupations from the interim list, including roles in:

• Human Resources
• Business Sales
• Legal Services
• Advertising and Marketing
• Creative industries, including authors, writers, and photographers

According to the committee, none of these occupations provided sufficient evidence to justify inclusion for the standard three-year period.

How the MAC Assessed the Occupations

The committee assessed occupations using four key criteria:

• Evidence of genuine labour shortages.
• Industry plans to recruit and train more UK workers.
• Measures to prevent worker exploitation.
• Whether continued overseas recruitment is the most appropriate long-term solution.

The report noted that many sectors failed to provide robust workforce plans explaining how they intend to reduce reliance on overseas labour in the future.

Limited Impact on Overall Migration

The MAC estimates that the occupations under consideration currently account for around 4,000 Skilled Worker visas each year.

As a result, the committee believes adopting these recommendations would have only a small impact on overall migration levels, while supporting sectors facing genuine workforce shortages.

Industry Response

Louise Haycock, Partner at global immigration law firm Fragomen, said the report demonstrates how closely the committee has followed the government’s revised immigration objectives.

She noted that sectors seeking inclusion on future shortage lists will need to demonstrate their importance to the UK’s industrial strategy or critical national infrastructure, backed by credible workforce development plans.

Haycock also urged the government to publish clear transitional arrangements if the recommendations are accepted, giving employers certainty about workers already sponsored under the existing rules.

Looking Ahead

The MAC described this as the first review under the new Temporary Shortage List system and said it had taken a balanced approach to avoid creating labour shortages in essential sectors.

However, the committee also emphasised that stronger evidence will be required before the next full review, which is expected in approximately three years.

About the Migration Advisory Committee

The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) is an independent public body sponsored by the UK Home Office. It advises the government on migration policy and labour market shortages.

The committee is currently chaired on an interim basis by Dr Madeleine Sumption and is supported by a permanent secretariat of around 30 civil servants, including economists, statisticians, social researchers, policy advisers, and business support specialists.

Key Takeaway

If the Government adopts the MAC’s recommendations, the new Temporary Shortage List will narrow the range of occupations eligible for Skilled Worker sponsorship below degree level. While engineering, construction, manufacturing, and technology roles—including Data Analysts—are expected to remain eligible, several business and professional occupations could lose access to sponsorship under the new rules.

Employers and overseas job seekers should monitor government announcements for confirmation of the final list and any transitional arrangements.

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