Food and other necessary goods

Food chain workers, including those involved in production, processing, distribution, sale and delivery of goods.

Key public services

Postal workers, those required to run the justice system, religious staff, and those responsible for managing the deceased, and journalists providing public service broadcasting.

Local and national government

Local and national government workers in admin roles “essential to the effective delivery” of the Covid-19 response or delivering essential public services, including payment of benefits.

Utility workers

Staff needed to keep oil, gas, electricity, water and sewerage operations running. Staff in the civil nuclear, chemical and telecommunications sectors. Those in postal services and those working to provide essential financial services.

Public safety and national security

Police and support staff, Ministry of Defence civilian staff and armed forces personnel, fire and rescue staff, and workers responsible for border security, prisons and probation.

Transport

Those keeping air, water, road, and rail passenger and freight transport modes operating. 

Read the full list on the Department’s website.

Can children of non-key workers still go to school?

No, they should be at home and observing social distancing. As part of the third lockdown of British life, Boris Johnson has closed schools except for the children of “key workers”.

Vulnerable children, including those with a social worker, and pupils who get special needs support will be able to stay in school. 

Do both parents need to be key workers?

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

Single parents who are key workers will be entitled to a school place.