UK employers wanting to hire skilled IT workers from abroad will have a tougher time passing the new points-based migration system than employers with "shortage jobs" on offer if new proposals given to the Home Office go ahead.

The government asked independent economic advisors the Migration Advisory Committee to provide "evidence-based advice" on where labour market shortages in the UK exist that can sensibly be filled by migration.

The Committee has responded with a recommended shortage occupation list, and IT is omitted from that list.

If the government accepts the research, which it said is the "most comprehensive study of its kind ever conducted anywhere in the world", it will underpin the new points-based system due to be brought in this November to replace the old work permit scheme.

The ethos of the new system is to ensure that firms try to employ staff from the UK before they offer a job to someone from overseas. It features five tiers and skilled foreign workers fall under Tier 2.

Under the new regime, workers from outside the European Economic Area will have to prove that they have enough points to qualify for a visa.

Points will be awarded for English language competence, qualifications and prospective earnings, as well as for an applicant's ability to support themselves during their first month in Britain.

Civil engineers, geologists, nurses, skilled chefs and maths and science teachers are examples of occupations included on the shortfall list (PDF).

Foreign workers skilled in such disciplines will be able to enter the UK with more ease and fewer points than those in professions not on the list, such as IT.

"Crucially, the points system means that only migrants with the skills Britain needs can come, and no more," said border and immigration minister Liam Byrne.

"Those who do come will need to work hard, play by the rules and speak English."

Byrne added that the system should ensure that Britain reduces the number of skilled migrants from outside Europe by 30 per cent.

But, although the list may limit employers' hiring freedom, it is likely to have positive implications for IT professionals in the UK seeking jobs.

For example, the Professional Contractors Group (PCG), which represents the UK's freelancers, has welcomed the shortage list.

"As the economy enters choppy waters and demand for IT contractors in particular seems to be falling, it is good to see that the Migration Advisory Committee has recognised that there is no overall IT skills shortage in the UK, " said PCG managing director John Brazier.