Just published yesterday, the Migration Advisory Committee’s Stage 1 review narrows the Temporary Shortage List (TSL) to RQF 3–5 roles judged “crucial” to delivering the government’s Industrial Strategy or to building critical infrastructure. Importantly, the MAC clarifies that it interpreted “critical infrastructure” as construction-related build activity only and not the operation of (what we would class as critical) sectors like Food. That scoping choice effectively puts food processing (including butchery) outside Stage 1’s prioritised list.
To quote the MAC’s report: “This interpretation is more focused than considering all 13 Critical National Infrastructure sectors, which includes sectors such as Food and Health. Our focus on construction does not include operation of services that may be in a broader definition of critical infrastructure.”
Stage 1 advances 82 occupations to Stage 2 using a >50% employment-in-prioritised-sectors test plus government expert input. Occupations not moved forward like ours are not in scope for TSL access in the MAC’s next phase. The MAC also recommends ending past “exceptional treatment” and sticking to objective skill levels. Occupations assessed below RQF 3 would be out of TSL scope entirely; only occupations that are “objectively assessed” at RQF 3–5 level can be considered.
Unless the Home Office redefines the scope to include food operations or the MAC later reconsiders in its Stage 2 report (due July 2026), processors should assume continued constraints on recruiting overseas butchers under the TSL.
We are the UKs largest trade body for the meat industry and provide expert advice on trade issues, bespoke technical advice and access to government policy makers
We are proud to count businesses of all sizes and specialties as members. They range from small, family run abattoirs serving local customers to the largest meat processing companies responsible for supplying some of our best-loved brands to shops and supermarkets.
We are further strengthened by our associate Members who work in industries that support and supply our meat processing companies.
We are the voice of the British meat industry.
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