[holding answer 3 February 2009]: The table shows the number of work permit applications for non-EU workers approved in each of the last three years broken down by the 20 most frequent occupations.
Figures are rounded to nearest five.
Because of rounding, figures may not add up to totals shown.
The figures quoted are not provided under National Statistics protocols and have been derived from local management information and are therefore provisional and subject to change. The occupational categories used are not compatible with those in the Standard Occupational Classification.
Caveats:
The figures do not equate to the number of individual nationals who were granted permits because they include those applications approved to extend or amend an existing permit or where the individual has moved to another job with a different employer. Not all those who were granted a permit took up the job and some may have been refused entry clearance or further leave to remain.
Top 20 occupations 2006 2007 2008 Total Other IT related occupation 15,275 17,065 17,485 49,830 Other manager related occupation 17,500 16,455 15,095 49,055 Nurse 13,615 8,515 8,770 30,900 Software engineer 9,535 10,610 7,410 27,555 Other financial occupation 7,480 8,705 7,450 23,635 Other engineering occupation 7,605 7,440 7,330 22,375 Chef 5,840 4,340 3,475 13,655 Researcher 4,570 4,515 4,160 13,250 Other health/medical occupation 6,495 3,305 3,135 12,935 Senior carer 5,690 2,180 3,475 11,340 Teacher (school/college) 4,040 3,800 3,445 11,285 Analyst programmer 2,925 3,790 3,465 10,180 System analyst 2,035 2,360 2,150 6,545 Project manager 1,475 1,665 1,845 4,985 Doctor 3,035 905 905 4,845 Other hotel catering occupation 2,090 1,445 1,205 4,740 Other education/cultural occupation 1,515 1,500 1,330 4,345 Accountant 1,380 1,185 1,090 3,655 Business analyst 785 1,335 1,425 3,550 Marketing/sales manager 1,135 1,240 1,105 3,485 Others 30,935 25,975 25,320 82,235 Total 144,950 128,325 121,080 94,355
Full details of the criteria applied to these categories for assessing applications for work can be found on the UK Border Agency website at:
www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk