The list is designed to assist with immigration policy. It is little more than a sophisticated echo of the old policy of bringing immigrants into the UK to fill certain jobs. The best known instance was in 1956 when there was a shortage of bus drivers and tube workers, prompting London Transport to employ West Indian workers.

Apart from its use in immigration the list should be important to anyone, particularly those who have been unemployed for a long time, to help them to target jobs. If there is a shortage of labour then clearly there will be employment opportunities.

Of course not every occupation on the shortage list will be suitable for every job seeker, some require extensive training, others will just not provide the job satisfaction we are all entitled to. Nevertheless the list is extensive and should provide an indication of the areas to look in.

The main categories of work covered by the shortage occupation list are health care, engineering and agriculture. But there are also opportunities for classical musicians, photographers, welders, vets and teachers. The full list can be seen on the Home Office website. It is worth checking out.

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