Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the effect on recruitment and retention of voltage restrictions on overhead lines worker posts on the Shortage Occupancy Lists; and if she will make a statement.

The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) assesses shortage occupations for the Government and provides expert advice and recommendations. The high voltage restriction was recommended by the MAC in March 2011 and the Government accepted the recommendation.

In 2014 the Government commissioned the MAC to carry out a partial review of the Shortage Occupation List, including linesworkers in particular. The MAC has issued a public call for evidence which closes on 5 December 2014. The Government expects to receive its report on 30 January 2015 and will consider the MAC’s findings and recommendations carefully.