Media Release

26 November 2009

The addition of occupations to both the Immediate Skill Shortage List (ISSL) and the Long Term Skill Shortage List (LTSSL) indicates the importance of being responsive to labour market trends, acting Head of Immigration Lesley Haines says.

Ten occupations have been added to the ISSL, and four to the LTSSL, in the second 2009 biannual review of the lists. Keeping the lists appropriate to labour market conditions is reflected in these additions and also in the reduction in the number of occupations removed from the lists, compared to the first review in June. Fifteen occupations have been removed from the ISSL, and three from the LTSSL.

The Department of Labour, which administers the lists, has the crucial role of monitoring New Zealand’s labour market and facilitating labour supply. The lists comprise occupations deemed in immediate shortage, (the ISSL), and long term shortage (the LTSSL) in the New Zealand labour market.

Ms Haines says the balance between providing incentives to employ and train New Zealanders, and providing appropriate labour from overseas is a vital equation in any economic recovery.

“This flexibility is extremely important – for example a significant industry impacted this time round is the oil and gas sector. A number of occupations in that sector have been added which will ensure labour supply is not a constraint.

“Following engagement with the respective sectors and analysis by the Department of Labour and MSD, occupations added are deemed to be of strategic significance to the economy and the labour market.”

“This review has focused on specific sectors – namely agriculture, construction and manufacturing – as part of the ongoing review of all occupations.”

The first 2009 review saw occupations identified as readily trainable and those for which New Zealanders may be available reviewed for removal.  That remains the case – however Ms Haines says with the economy continuing to experience fluctuations, the need to review the lists closely and stay flexible and responsive to labour market needs remains an overriding consideration.

Occupations on the lists do not require a labour market check. Those removed from the list follow the normal process of requiring a labour market test. The majority of the 988 occupations listed in the 2006 census have to be labour market tested.

There will be ongoing review of all occupations on the list which will ensure flexibility in times of both shortage and economic growth.

This will be carried out through extensive consultation with industry groups, other stakeholders and relevant government agencies.

Removal from the ISSL does not mean employers can not recruit migrants. Employers can demonstrate genuine attempts to recruit a suitable New Zealander, as is the process with all other occupations.  If no suitable New Zealanders are available in that location then temporary work permits will still be issued.

Ms Haines says New Zealand still has skill shortages in certain areas and jobs may need to be filled by people from overseas.

For further information contact the DoL media line on 0274 422 141 or e-mail media@dol.govt.nz