One of These 10 Jobs Pays Up to R2 Million and is Being Filled by Qualified South Africans. The United Kingdom (UK) is grappling with a significant skills shortage across various sectors, and South African professionals are emerging as a vital resource to bridge this gap. With some positions offering salaries as high as R2 million, the demand for skilled South Africans has never been higher.
The UK’s Skills Shortage Crisis in 2024
In 2024, the UK is facing a pronounced shortage of skilled workers, a situation exacerbated by several factors, including the lingering effects of Brexit, the COVID-19 pandemic, and an ageing workforce. These challenges have particularly affected critical sectors such as healthcare, engineering, and technology, leading to a pressing need for qualified professionals.
Baroness Barran, a member of the UK Parliament, recently highlighted this issue in a parliamentary Q&A session, noting that one-third of job vacancies in the UK are the result of skills shortages. Key industries like construction, information technology, and communications are among the hardest hit.
The UK’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has also warned that the shortage of skilled workers in technical and engineering disciplines is expected to worsen, with a noticeable deficit in senior business roles as well. This shortage is placing immense pressure on both businesses and public services, intensifying the competition for talent.
One of These 10 Jobs Pays Up to R2 Million and is Being Filled by Qualified South Africans
To address these shortages, the UK government regularly updates its Shortage Occupation List, a catalog of occupations deemed to be in short supply within the country. This list enables employers to hire and sponsor overseas workers in these roles under more favorable immigration criteria compared to positions not on the list.
Given the high demand for certain professions, BusinessTech analyzed the potential annual earnings for some of these roles as outlined by the UK government. Top-paid positions include marketing professionals and directors, doctors, and financial managers, with salaries ranging from R1.63 million to R2 million per year. Additionally, IT specialists and engineers are in demand, offering salaries around R1 million annually.
Here’s a breakdown of some of the top-paying jobs currently on the UK’s Shortage Occupation List:
| Job | Standard Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Marketing Professional/Director | £83,000 (R1.93 million) |
| Doctor | £74,800 (R1.74 million) |
| Financial Managers and Directors | £70,000 (R1.63 million) |
| Senior Police Officers | £59,100 (R1.37 million) |
| Solicitor | £57,200 (R1.33 million) |
| Software Developer | £50,440 (R1.17 million) |
| Architect | £48,800 (R1.13 million) |
| Mechanical Engineer | £47,840 (R1.11 million) |
| Nurse | £40,560 (R942,000) |
| Construction and Building Trades | £30,960 (R719,000) |
Exchange rate conversions are accurate as of 15 August 2024.
The Global Race for Talent: South Africans in High Demand
The UK isn’t the only country vying for skilled professionals. During UK parliamentary discussions, it was noted that the global demand for talent is intensifying, with countries like Canada and Australia also seeking to attract the same pool of skilled workers—including South Africans.
Nicholas Avramis, a Canadian immigration consultant from Beaver Immigration, pointed out that there is a fierce competition in the global north to recruit highly qualified workers, particularly in healthcare and engineering. South Africans, with their strong educational background and professional experience, are highly sought after.
According to Strider Digital, a digital outsourcing and consulting firm, South Africa is one of the UK’s top choices for talent scouting. Bjorn Annegarn, a business development consultant at Strider Digital, explained that South Africans are prized for their high standard of education, diverse work experience, strong work ethic, and cultural compatibility with the UK.
“South Africa is home to a highly educated and skilled workforce, with many individuals holding degrees in IT, software development, business, and marketing,” said Annegarn. He also noted that South Africa has been recognized as a rapidly developing outsourcing destination, with McKinsey naming it the second most attractive Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) location in the world in 2020.
Annabel Dallamore, CEO of Strider Digital, emphasized the appeal of South Africa’s work ethic, noting that South Africans are known for their dedication and adaptability in fast-paced environments. According to OECD data, the average South African works 43.3 hours per week, ranking them fifth in the world for the number of hours worked.
“South Africa’ work culture aligns well with that of the UK,” Dallamore added. “Professionals in South Africa are collaborative, open to diverse perspectives, and value punctuality and preparedness. At the same time, they are flexible and adaptable, making them highly attractive to UK employers.”
Conclusion
The UK’s growing demand for skilled professionals, particularly from South Africa, highlights the global competition for talent. South Africans’ strong education, work ethic, and adaptability make them highly sought after, offering significant opportunities in the UK job market.
