There is big news for the Industry with a new addition of Geotechnical Engineers to the Shortage Occupations List for Work Permit purposes.

Inclusion on the Shortage Occupation List means Geotechnical Engineers join such professions as Railway Engineers, Doctors, Nurses and Teachers (a surprisingly short list, given the known shortages in many sectors).

The change will mean that companies applying for work permits will no longer have to demonstrate that the post cannot be filled from within the UK or EU. This will make it easier to recruit from Australia, New Zealand and elsewhere. Previously full details and supporting evidence had to be provided to show what advertising had already been undertaken to recruit a ‘resident worker’. This included details of responses received and reasons why each applicant had not been employed.

Previously to obtain a work permit for an overseas employee an employer was required to complete a 12 page application form. Applicants will now be able to jump from Page 7 direct to Page 12 of the application form.

The announcement that Geotechnical Engineers had been included on the Shortage Occupation List was made on the Work Permits website on Monday 20th June and can be seen at www.workingintheUK.gov.uk and following the links to work permits – applying for a work permit – business and commercial.

The definition of Geotechnical Engineer will cover the following Ground Engineering related occupations:- Geoenvironmental Engineer; Geotechnical Engineer; Geological Advisor; Geological Analyst; Geological Associate; Geological Engineer; Geologist/Hydrogeologist; Geology/Reservoir Engineer; Geomechanics Engineer; Geophysical Specialist; Geophysicist; Geoscientist; Geosupport Engineer; Engineering Geologist; Ground Engineer; Contaminated Land Specialist.