As the UK moves into a post-Brexit and post-COVID world, many people fear that job opportunities for foreign workers will be limited. However, that’s not the case. Despite Brexit ending the freedom of movement between the UK and the EU, several sectors in the UK are facing skill shortages and are actively looking for talent from abroad. These industries are applying for Sponsor licenses to hire foreign workers, including those from the EU/EEA and non-EU countries, under the Tier 2 Visa system.
Here are three key industries in need of Tier 2 workers in the coming years:
1. Healthcare
The healthcare sector in the UK, especially the NHS and adult social care, is severely understaffed, a problem highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic. As of March 2020, there were around 40,000 nursing vacancies in England alone. The UK also has a shortage of doctors, with just 2.8 doctors per 1,000 people, which is below the European average of 3.4.
To address this, the UK government introduced the Tier 2 (Health and Care) Visa. This visa is for qualified doctors, nurses, health professionals, and adult social care workers. You must have a job offer from the NHS, an NHS service provider, or an adult social care provider in the UK.
Key benefits of the Tier 2 (Health and Care) Visa:
- You do not have to pay the healthcare surcharge.
- You can bring your spouse/partner and children under 18 to the UK.
2. Supply Chain and Logistics
The supply chain and logistics sector is critical for the UK, especially after Brexit, which is expected to bring changes to customs and trade. The UK has faced a skills shortage in logistics for years, and the COVID-19 pandemic has only made it worse, disrupting global supply chains and highlighting the need for skilled workers.
A 2015 study found that 55% of logistics companies struggled to find employees with the right skills, and 70% of logistics firms in the UK hired workers from abroad. As the UK prepares for Brexit, the demand for supply chain managers, analysts, planners, and technology experts will continue to rise.
A supply chain consultant warned businesses to prepare for Brexit-related paperwork and compliance issues, which will affect both imports and exports. With these challenges, skilled professionals in supply chain management will be in high demand.
3. Technology
The technology sector has grown rapidly in recent years, and the COVID-19 pandemic has shown just how important technology is to everyday life and business operations. Roles like data scientists, enterprise architects, blockchain engineers, and machine learning engineers are in high demand.
The UK is also seeing a rise in demand for experts in data security, IT infrastructure, and GDPR compliance. As the technology sector continues to expand, skilled workers will be needed to fill these roles. In addition to applying for a Tier 2 (General) Visa, highly skilled tech workers can also apply for the Global Talent Visa if they can get an endorsement from Tech Nation, a key organization for tech professionals in the UK.
If you’re looking to work in the UK in these high-demand sectors, Law and Visas can help guide you through the visa application process. Whether you’re a healthcare professional, logistics expert, or tech talent, now is the time to explore the opportunities available under the UK’s Tier 2 Visa system.
