Published March 2023 and kept as a record. The figures and the law have moved on since it was written. For the current position see UK skills shortages in 2026. Note added 21 October 2026.
Here are the top 10 professions in the UK with staff shortages, along with the average UK salary and the number of live vacancies per profession, based on data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and job search engines as of March 2023:
- Nurses and Healthcare Workers
Average Salary: £32,000-£40,000
Number of Live Vacancies: 70,000 - Software Developers
Average Salary: £45,000-£65,000
Number of Live Vacancies: 50,000 - Electricians
Average Salary: £30,000-£35,000
Number of Live Vacancies: 40,000 - Plumbers
Average Salary: £30,000-£35,000
Number of Live Vacancies: 30,000 - Social Workers
Average Salary: £30,000-£40,000
Number of Live Vacancies: 25,000 - Data Analysts
Average Salary: £40,000-£60,000
Number of Live Vacancies: 20,000 - Mechanical Engineers
Average Salary: £35,000-£45,000
Number of Live Vacancies: 18,000 - Occupational Therapists
Average Salary: £30,000-£40,000
Number of Live Vacancies: 15,000 - Chefs and Cooks
Average Salary: £20,000-£25,000
Number of Live Vacancies: 10,000 - Teachers (Primary and Secondary)
Average Salary: £30,000-£40,000
Number of Live Vacancies: 9,000
Note that the average salaries listed are approximate and can vary depending on factors such as location, experience, and qualifications. The number of live vacancies is also subject to change over time.