Skip to content
Search AI Powered

Latest Stories

British firms to get more talent after expansion of shortage of occupation list

THE UK-based businesses will have improved access to skilled workers following changes to the immigration rules announced on Monday (9).

The shortage of occupation list (SOL) has been expanded to include a range of skilled occupations.


Occupations such as veterinarians, architects, and web designers will be added to the SOL, giving talents coming to the UK to work in these industries priority to secure a Tier 2 work visa, over occupations not on the list.

Employers can advertise job vacancies for these occupations to include all nationalities as soon as it’s available, making it easier for them to access the international talent they need.

Immigration minister Seema Kennedy said: “Giving British-based businesses access to the brightest and best global talent is a key priority for this government.

“That is why we have made it easier for employers to hire skilled workers, such as vets and web designers, which this country needs to flourish.”

The Home Office has also streamlined English language testing ensuring that doctors, dentists, nurses and midwives who have already passed an English language test accepted by the relevant professional body do not have to appear for another test before entry to the UK on a Tier 2 visa.

This change will ensure that hospitals and medical practices across the country will be able to access the staff they need more quickly. 

More For You

FCA warns against regulatory 'race to bottom' in growth push
Nikhil Rathi
TOLGA AKMEN

FCA warns against regulatory 'race to bottom' in growth push

FINANCIAL REGULATOR has cautioned against compromising regulatory standards while attempting to boost economic growth, revealing the delicate balancing act facing Britain's financial oversight.

In a frank discussion with MPs, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) leadership highlighted the challenges of their expanded mandate to promote business competitiveness alongside consumer protection, reported the Times.

Keep ReadingShow less
Sanjay Bhandari's extradition appeal opens in London
Sanjay Bhandari

Sanjay Bhandari's extradition appeal opens in London

SANJAY BHANDARI, a consultant in the defence sector wanted in India on alleged tax evasion and money-laundering charges, began an appeal in the High Court in London against his extradition order.

The 62-year-old businessman had won permission to appeal against a November 2022 Westminster Magistrates’ Court ruling clearing his extradition earlier this year.

Keep ReadingShow less
Rupert Murdoch looks on as he walks on the day of the hearing on the contentious matter of succession of Rupert Murdoch's global television and publishing empire, in Reno, Nevada, US, September 23, 2024. (Photo: Reuters)
Rupert Murdoch looks on as he walks on the day of the hearing on the contentious matter of succession of Rupert Murdoch's global television and publishing empire, in Reno, Nevada, US, September 23, 2024. (Photo: Reuters)

Murdoch's bid to secure eldest son's control of media empire fails

RUPERT MURDOCH’s attempt to secure control of his media empire for his eldest son, Lachlan, has reportedly failed, according to a US news report on Monday.

The Murdoch family, which oversees influential outlets like Fox News, The Wall Street Journal, and various British and Australian media organisations, has often been compared to the fictional dynasty in the TV series Succession. Like the show, real-life disputes within the Murdoch family have centred on control of the business after Rupert Murdoch’s death.

Keep ReadingShow less
Kamlesh Pattni faces UK sanctions for illicit gold trade
Pattni stands accused of central involvement in the infamous Goldenberg scandal. (Representational image: iStock)

Kamlesh Pattni faces UK sanctions for illicit gold trade

THE UK and US have imposed financial sanctions on Kamlesh Pattni, a British-Kenyan businessman with a controversial financial history. The punitive measures target Pattni and four of his close family members, including his wife and brother-in-law, reported the BBC.

The sanctions, announced by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, will result in the immediate freezing of assets, representing a significant intervention in what officials describe as a complex network of illicit gold trading spanning multiple African nations.

Keep ReadingShow less
Sanjay Malhotra speaks during the 67th Foundation Day of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) in New Delhi on December 4, 2024. (Photo: Getty Images)
Sanjay Malhotra speaks during the 67th Foundation Day of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) in New Delhi on December 4, 2024. (Photo: Getty Images)

India appoints Sanjay Malhotra as new central bank governor

INDIA has appointed Sanjay Malhotra, a senior finance ministry bureaucrat, as the new governor of its central bank, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

The announcement was made on Monday, a day before the term of outgoing governor Shaktikanta Das was set to expire.

Keep ReadingShow less