Business chiefs blast ‘ballet dancers but not builders list' of key jobs for foreign recruits

LONDON business leaders have called for urgent reform of the Government’s “ballet dancers but not builders” list of key jobs that can be filled by lower paid foreign workers.

- Jonathan Prynn

The so-called “shortage occupation” list specifies 30 skilled roles for which workers are in desperately short supply after Brexit. Overseas candidates can apply for work visas to do the jobs at pay rates that are up to 20 per cent below the normal “going rate” salary.

As well as highly specialist roles — such as biochemists, civil engineers and web designers — it also includes classical ballet dancers, first violinists in an “ internationally-recognised UK orchestra” and artists.

However, employers say the list is not fit for purpose and it is contributing to the massive staffing crisis that threatens to stifle Britain’s economic recovery. They point out that roles such as chefs and carpenters are not on the list despite a massive shortfall of homegrown talent.