Govt considers VFX employment proposals

The report from the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) recommends adding five new VFX roles to its shortage occupation list and removing six roles where there are either no longer skills shortages or because the jobs are no longer relevant.

It is hoped that the new list will help the UK to keep pace with technological developments, such as stereoscopic film production, with the addition of roles such as stereo artist.

Skillset’s chief executive Dinah Caine said: “These recommendations are good news not just for the VFX industry, but also computer games and animation who will benefit from being able to access this talent in the short term.

“However these measures are not an end in themselves. Skillset is working with the VFX industry and the UK’s higher education community through our accreditation programme to develop the world-class education and training that we need to fill these roles with home grown talent in the future.”

Skillset and the UK Screen Association worked with the MAC to advise it where there were not enough UK workers in roles necessary for the industry’s continued growth.

Chief Executive of UK Screen Association Sarah Mackey said: “British companies are at the forefront of VFX both creatively and technologically. It is essential that our members are able to recruit the right skills globally while the UK develops those skills for the next generation.”

The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) advises the government on migration issues. It is a non-statutory, non-time-limited, non-departmental public body, sponsored by the UK Border Agency of the Home Office.