Shortage occupation list 2018: call for evidence - our response

5. Conclusion

273. This paper builds on the detailed evidence that the Scottish Government provided to the MAC in October 2017 to set out the vital contribution that workers from other EU countries and internationally are making to Scotland. It provides detailed evidence in relation to a number of sectors of the Scottish economy while also providing detail on how the SOL could operate in future and how a differentiated approach for Scotland could work.

274. This consultation is taking place at a time of potential significant change in the UK immigration system. It is therefore crucial that this consultation is the start and not the end of an engagement process with key sectors in Scotland. The tight deadline for consultation responses is likely to mean that some sectors will find it difficult to provide detailed evidence in the timescale. It is important though that the needs of these sectors are not overlooked and therefore crucial that the MAC supplements this consultation process with a proactive engagement process with key sectors and employers.

275. Whatever the outcome of this consultation process it is important that the process for reviewing the SOL is also reviewed specifically to ensure that there is a formal role for the Scottish Government in commissioning and determining what occupations are in shortage in Scotland and to ensure that the process for reviewing the SOL is flexible and responsive to shifting needs.