As schools close, government lists ‘critical workers’

Frontline health and social care staff, people involved in food production and delivery, and utility workers are among a list of workers said to be ‘essential’ to the coronavirus response.

The government has published a list of ‘key workers’, whose children will continue to be cared for at school amid the pandemic. It is split into eight categories, including health and social care, key public services – such as those essential to the running of the justice system, religious staff, charities and journalists – and transport.

Workers involved in food production, processing, distribution, sale and delivery are also included, alongside ‘administrative occupations essential to the effective delivery of the Covid-19 response’ in both local and national government.

The Department for Education said: “If your work is critical to the COVID-19 response, or you work in one of the critical sectors listed below, and you cannot keep your child safe at home then your children will be prioritised for education provision.”