Food professionals named as “key workers”

As a large proportion of the British workforce has been advised to work from home and schools earlier this week, and colleges and nurseries are closing to most pupils as of this afternoon (Friday 19th March), Prime Minister Boris Johnson was being asked for clarification on who would be defined as a “key worker” and would therefore continue to receive educational support from UK Government for their children.

It has been announced that those working in the fields of food production, processing, distribution, sale and delivery are included.

The list highlights eight categories which fall under the “key worker” banner, including key public services such as public safety and national security; charities, justice system workers, religious staff and journalists; transport; health and social care; and those whose “administrative occupations are essential to the effective delivery of the Covid-19 response” across 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.”