Roles in the UK visual effects (VFX) industry should be included in the Government’s shortage occupation list, making it easier to hire skilled foreign workers, according to recommendations from the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC).

The recommendations come amid concerns of a lack of skilled UK workers to maintain Britain’s high standards in VFX.

The MAC was advised by both the UK Screen Association and Skillset, the industry body supporting skills and training in the UK creative industries. The suggestions were made with particular consideration of the expertise needed for technological developments such as stereoscopic film production.

Recommendations include five new VFX roles to be added to the list, such as 3D supervisor and stereo artist. In contrast, they detail six roles which suffer no lack of skilled workers which can be removed from the current list, while 12 other relevant roles already on the list will be retained.

UK Screen Association CEO 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.”