Construction managers and engineers head skills shortage list

Britain needs more construction managers and engineers, according to a provisional list of shortage occupations drawn up by immigration authorities.

The list by the Home Office’s migration advisory committee specifies UK occupations that non-EU migrants are permitted to fill through a new points-based immigration system.

The revised list cuts the number of skilled jobs in Britain open to migrants from 1m to 700,000.

It puts construction managers and chemical and civil engineers towards the top of the list but leaves skilled construction trades off.

The Guardian reported the committee had assessed whether it was sensible to fill shortages of skilled labour with immigration.

The Home Office will publish the final shortage occupation list next month, with it to come into effect in November.