Who are the 'key workers' Boris Johnson mentioned in his coronavirus speech?

Nurses and other healthcare staff are among those who will be able to keep their children in school
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Bronwen Weatherby20 March 2020

Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the closure of schools and cancellation of exams on Wednesday in an attempt to stem the spread of Covid-19, but said schools would remain open for the children of "key workers".

Key workers are considered to be those who occupy roles in vital public services needed to help citizens stay healthy and safe.

The Government published a list of key workers, just after midnight on Friday, whose children will continue to be cared for at school amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Frontline health and social care staff, people involved in food production and delivery, and utility workers are among the list of workers deemed “essential” to the Covid-19 response.

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.”

Boris Johnson has said he is adamant the Brexit transition phase will not be delayed despite the chaos caused by the coronavirus outbreak
POOL/AFP via Getty Images

Children with at least one parent or carer identified as critical workers by the government can send their children to school if required.

The Department for Education said they expected the majority of educational establishments to stay open where required – but recognised it may be “impossible” for small rural schools.

It said when a school is unable to stay open, it would work with local officials to find an alternative setting for pupils, as well as providing transport arrangements.

So far, over 100 people have died after testing positive for coronavirus in the UK and tens of thousands of people are thought to be infected.

​Schools are being asked to continue to provide care for a number of children but will close to the majority on Friday.

The decision to keep some schools open with a skeleton staff has been taken to ensure public services can continue to operate.

It is a model which has been used in countries throughout Europe during the pandemic.

The Government said it is working with nurseries and private schools to provide extra help and also offer food vouchers.

Who are the 'key workers'?

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said the full list of workers will come out on Thursday 
PA

Health and social care

This includes frontline health and social care staff – such as doctors, nurses, midwives, paramedics, as well as support and specialist staff in the health and social care sector. In addition, those working in supply chains, including producers and distributors of medicines and personal protective equipment are included.

Education and childcare

This includes nursery, teaching staff and social workers, as the department said these workers are required to deliver their plans.

Key public services

Those required to run the justice system, religious staff, as well as those responsible for managing the deceased and journalists providing public service broadcasting are on the list.

Local and national government

The list “only includes administrative occupations essential to the effective delivery of the Covid-19 response or delivering essential public services”, including payment of benefits.

Food and other necessary goods

The list includes those involved in the production, processing, distribution, sale and delivery of food.

London Underground lockdown during Coronavirus

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Public safety and national security

Police, support staff, Ministry of Defence civilian staff and armed forces personnel are on the list, along with fire and rescue staff, as well as those responsible for border security, prison and probation staff.

Transport

The list includes those who will keep “air, water, road and rail passenger and freight transport modes operating during the COVID-19 response”.

Utilities, communication and financial services

Staff required to keep oil, gas, electricity, water and sewerage operations running are on the list, along with those in the civil nuclear, chemical and telecommunications sectors. Those in postal services and working to provide essential financial services provision are also included.

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