UK Recruitment Glossary
Skills Shortage
In recruiter context
UK shortage occupations in 2026 include cyber security specialists, AI engineers, civil engineers, social workers, NHS clinical staff (especially nurses), and HGV drivers. Roles on the official Shortage Occupation List have lower visa salary thresholds and faster sponsorship paths. Skills shortage doesn't mean 'easy job' — it means employers will pay more, accept slightly less experience, and offer better progression to retain you once hired. If your skill is genuinely shortage-classified, you have meaningful negotiating leverage on first salary, hybrid arrangement, and benefits. Use it. Most candidates in shortage roles undersell themselves out of habit.
Related terms
Statutory Sick Pay
The legal minimum your UK employer must pay you when you're too ill to work — currently £116.75/week…
Promotion
An internal move to a higher role, grade, or pay band — usually with more responsibility and a salar…
Severance
A payment when employment ends, often above the statutory minimum and usually wrapped into a settlem…
EOR (Employer of Record)
A third-party company that legally employs you in your country while you work for a different (often…