Coronavirus: Who are classed as Key Worker in the UK?
The Coronavirus pandemic is at it’s peak and the government has given clear guidance on self-isolation, household isolation and social distancing. UK is in Lockdown now. Schools across the country remain open for the children of "key workers". But what exactly does Key Worker mean? The Department of Education has issued a list to clarify who is classed as a "key worker", also known as "critical worker". The full list can be viewed here on the government's website, but it includes the following:
- Health and social care: Frontline health and social care staff such as doctors, nurses, midwives, paramedics and support staff. Also, those working in supply chains, eg producers and distributors of medicines.
- Education and childcare: Nursery, teaching staff and social workers.
- Key public services: Those in the justice system, religious staff, undertakers and some journalists.
- Local and national government: Those essential to the delivery of the Covid-19 response. Those delivering essential public services, such as the payment of benefits.
- Food and other necessary goods: Those involved in the production, processing, distribution, sale and delivery of food.
- Public safety and national security: Police, armed forces personnel, fire and rescue staff, and those working in border security, prisons and probation.
- Transport: Those keeping transport modes operating during the Covid-19 response.
- Utilities, communication and financial services: Staff who are needed to keep the oil, gas, electricity and water sectors running. Those providing essential financial services. Key staff in the civil nuclear, chemical and telecommunications sectors and those in postal services.
