SOC 2020 unit group 7212

7212 Telephonists

Unit group 7212 in the ONS Standard Occupational Classification 2020, with the line the Appendix Skilled Occupations gives it. Not immigration advice.

ONS SOC 2020 Volume 1: file dated 27 August 2026, version V13 · Appendix Skilled Occupations: figures as at 3 August 2026, re-checked against the 8 October 2026 page on 26 October 2026 (unchanged)

In short

  • ONS unit group 7212, in minor group 721 (Customer service occupations) and major group 7 (Sales and customer service occupations).
  • Appendix Skilled Occupations (figures as at 3 August 2026, re-checked 26 October 2026): Not on the list: Table 6.
  • Going rate as the tables print it:

    What the ONS says

    Description

    Telephonists receive and direct callers in commercial, industrial and other establishments, and operate telephone (public) and office (private) switchboards to advise on, and assist with, making telephone calls and to relay incoming, outgoing and internal calls.

    Typical entry routes

    Academic qualifications may not be required. On-the-job training is provided.

    Tasks

    • receives callers and directs them to appropriate person or department
    • operates switchboard to connect outgoing calls or to relay incoming or internal calls
    • reports any faults on telephone operating system
    • gives advice on dialling and other special features available
    • provides directory information, dialling codes and details of charges
    • alerts emergency services in cases of fire, crime or accident

    Related job titles

    • Call handler (motoring organisation)
    • Operator (telephone)
    • Switchboard operator (telephone)
    • Telephonist
    • Telephonist-receptionist

    What the Appendix Skilled Occupations says

    The Appendix lists this code in the table below, with the table’s own caption and the row as printed. Read the full table, and any condition in it, on GOV.UK.

    Table 6: SOC 2020 occupation codes which are not eligible for the Skilled Worker, Global Business Mobility or Scale-up routes

    SOC 2020 occupation code
    7212 Telephonists
    Examples of related job titles (non-exhaustive)
    • Call handler (motoring organisation)
    • Operator (telephone)
    • Switchboard operator (telephone)
    • Telephonist
    • Telephonist-receptionist

    Other unit groups in minor group 721

    Sources

    Occupation text: Office for National Statistics, SOC 2020 Volume 1: structure and descriptions of unit groups (file dated 27 August 2026, version V13). Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Open Government Licence v3.0. Tables: Home Office, Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Occupations on GOV.UK, page updated 3 August 2026; re-checked against the page updated 8 October 2026 on 26 October 2026, tables unchanged.

    All 412 occupation codes

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