Occupations covered by Tier 2 work permits look set to change, as a recent report as reduced the number of roles available to skilled workers from outside the European Economic Area.
Compiled by the Migration Advisory Committee (Mac), the paper developed existing plans to raise the threshold for Tier 2 work permits to 'graduate level' jobs.
According to Mac, this will result in the number of qualifying occupations being reduced by 71.
As a result of the changes, Tier 2 work permit holders will only be able to apply for jobs covering the most skilled 39 per cent of the labour market, rather than the current 56 per cent.
Professor David Metcalf, chair of Mac, commented: "Skilled foreign workers make a valuable contribution to the British economy but, in the context of limits on migration, it is essential that the immigration system is designed to select those migrants we need the most."
He added that the recommendations put forward by the committee will still allow the most skilled people to come and work in the UK.
However, retail managers, hairdressing and beauty salon managers, estate agents and laboratory technicians will be among the occupations that will no longer be able to apply for Tier 2 UK work permits.
Among those that will still qualify are teaching professionals, civil engineers and finance and investment analysts.