Post-Brexit apprehensions and aspirations of companies regarding the "points-based" immigration system for skilled workers
The UK government's introduction of a points-based immigration system has brought about significant changes in the creative industries. One of the key developments is the expansion of the Shortage Occupation List (SOL), which now includes a wide range of creative roles.
Prior to October 2019, the SOL only encompassed select occupations such as animators, compositing artists, and production managers. However, the recent expansion has broadened the list to incorporate roles within several Standard Occupational Classifications (SOC) codes, including artists, graphic designers, arts officers, producers, and directors.
This expansion has been welcomed by creative sector employers, who are hoping that EEA and non-EEA migrants coming to take up SOL roles will score highly in the points system. The system prioritizes candidates based on factors such as skills, qualifications, and labor market needs, aiming to favor individuals based on their employability rather than nationality.
The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has already declared these creative occupations as being in national shortage. The existence of the SOL is not assured beyond 2020, but its expansion has the potential to provide a steady stream of skilled workers to the creative industries.
Neil Hatton, CEO of UK Screen Alliance, and Professor Dave O'Brien, who discusses the importance of higher education to the arts, culture, and heritage sectors, are among those analyzing the implications of the 2025 Spending Review for the creative industries.
The co-location of the Creative Industries with other Industrial Strategy Priority Sectors, as discussed by Dr Josh Siepe, is also a significant aspect of the Geography of the Creative Industries. The Johnson government's announcement to implement a Points-Based visa system could present the opportunity to reframe the debate about skilled migration to criteria other than salary.
Meanwhile, the Global Creative Economy Council is engaging in conversations between the Global North and South to unsettle and reorder the creative economy. With these revisions, it's thought that 9% of all potential jobs are on the expanded SOL; up from around 1%.
It's important to note that the recruitment of non-EEA citizens to these SOL roles currently receives priority in the visa system and avoids the need to conduct a Resident Labour Market Test (RLMT). However, the government's intentions regarding the new system, including the use of high minimum salary thresholds, are not yet clear.
Professor Nick Wilson's article, "Bridging the Imagination Deficit," discusses the Equity Gap in Britain's Creative Industries, highlighting the need for greater diversity and inclusion in these sectors. The importance of accredited qualifications in journalism, as evidenced by the inclusion of journalism occupations on the DCMS's list of Creative Occupations, also underscores the government's commitment to upholding standards in the creative industries.
In conclusion, the expansion of the SOL and the introduction of the points-based immigration system are significant developments for the UK's creative industries. These changes aim to attract and retain skilled workers, foster innovation, and promote diversity and inclusion in these sectors. However, it's crucial to monitor the government's intentions and the impact of these changes on the creative industries in the coming years.
