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Who is a key worker?
Who are the key workers whose children will still be able to access schools during the coronavirus outbreak?
Latest updates:
Coronavirus childcare information
Schools in England are closed until at least early March except for key workers’ children and vulnerable children. In contrast to last March’s lockdown, early years care and special schools are currently allowed to remain open and informal childcare bubbles for households with children under 14 and extended bubbles [for instance, a single parent family with another family] are allowed. Nevertheless, the Government guidance suggests that families should social distance for people over 70 and the clinically vulnerable.
The Government has defined vulnerable children as children who are supported by social care, those with safeguarding and welfare needs, including child in need plans, on child protection plans, ‘looked after’ children, young carers, disabled children and those with education, health and care (EHC) plans.
So who is a key worker? The Government’s key worker list lists those whose work is critical to the coronavirus and EU transition response. Children with at least one parent or carer who is a critical worker can go to school or college if required, although local authorities are trying to keep numbers down for safety reasons and may ask families where one parent is at home to keep their children off school. The Government also says that “parents and carers should keep their children at home if they can”:
Health and social care
This includes, but is not limited to, doctors, nurses, midwives, paramedics, social workers, care workers, and other frontline health and social care staff including volunteers; the support and specialist staff required to maintain the UK’s health and social care sector; those working as part of the health and social care supply chain, including producers and distributors of medicines and medical and personal protective equipment.
Education and childcare
Including childcare and teaching staff, social workers and specialist education professionals.
Public service
Including those essential to the running of the justice system, religious staff, charities and workers delivering key frontline services, those responsible for the management of the deceased and public service journalists and broadcasters.
Local and national government
This only includes those administrative occupations essential to the effective delivery of the coronavirus response and the delivery of and response to EU transition and essential public services, such as the payment of benefits and the certification or checking of goods for import and export (including animal products, animals, plants and food), including in government agencies and arms length bodies.
Food and other necessary goods
Including those involved in food production, processing, distribution, sale and delivery as well as those essential to the provision of other key goods (for example, hygienic and veterinary medicines).
Public safety and national security
This includes police and support staff, Ministry of Defence civilians, contractor and armed forces personnel (those critical to the delivery of key defence and national security outputs and essential to the response to the coronavirus outbreak and EU transition), fire and rescue service employees (including support staff), National Crime Agency staff and those maintaining border security, prison and probation staff and other national security roles, including those overseas.
Transport
Including those who will keep the air, water, road and rail passenger and freight transport modes operating during the COVID-19 response and EU transition, including those working on transport systems through which supply chains pass.
Utilities, communication and financial services
Including staff needed for essential financial services provision, the oil, gas, electricity and water sectors (including sewerage), information technology and data infrastructure sector and primary industry supplies, as well as key staff working in the civil nuclear, chemicals, telecommunications (including but not limited to network operations, field engineering, call centre staff, IT and data infrastructure, 999 and 111 critical services), postal services and delivery, payments providers and waste disposal sectors. The Department for Education says schools can ask for proof of employment to check people are key workers.
If a key worker’s school is closed they should ring their local education authority.
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Comments [322]
Graham Russell says:
I supply goods for an animal rescue center can I travel out of my local area for these deliveries?
Mandy Garner says:
Work is a legally permitted reason for travel under the Covid guidance – see https://www.london.gov.uk/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid-19-faqs/what-does-national-lockdown-mean-travel
cathy gibbon says:
Hi There, unsure if you can help but are Covid Testing station staff classed as essential? thanks
Mandy Garner says:
If this is in relation to childcare, the best thing to do if you are unsure is to check with your local authority’s education department.
Ceri says:
Hi there, I am a primary school teacher and my husband is a uni lecturer.
I am on maternity leave as I have a two month old.
Can I send my 3 year old to start nursery within a primary school, even though I am on maternity leave?
Thanks
Mandy Garner says:
Hi, The Government guidance is: “Children with at least one parent or carer who is a critical worker can go to school or college if required, but parents and carers should keep their children at home if they can.” So you would need to argue your case either with the school or your local authority.
Sue Jenking says:
I am an admin worker in an accountants would this be seen as a key worker.
Mandy Garner says:
I’m afraid this is unlikely to be considered a key worker. Please read the article and linked guidance as it covers all the categories of people who would be considered key workers.
K says:
I work in a hotel which has remained open to provide accommodation for keyworkers, essential travel, for hospital appointments etc & homeless. Would I be classed as a keyworker as I’m providing a service for the above?
Mandy Garner says:
The article outlines who is a key worker and links to the government guidance so unless it specifically mentions those supporting key workers this would not apply to you. You could check with your local authority if this is about school access.
Lisa says:
I also work in a hotel as a room attendant doing all the above and our company classes us as key workers but the government or local authority hasn’t…. hope you get somewhere because as you say we provide a service so therefore we should be classed as key workers x
Sara says:
Hi . I’m a mother for 3 kids . And I care for my husband as he is disable .I got a carer allowance from the government.
Can I send my children to school? As I’m a keyworker.
Mandy Garner says:
If you are a key worker you should be able to send your kids to school. If you have any problems, contact your local authority education dept.
Alison Wardell says:
My daughter is my father’s full time carer and she is paid by our local authority, he has late stage Alzheimers and vascular dementia. We all live in the same house, I go to work, my daughter would be classed as a key worker, but she has been told that her daughter can not attend school because her mother is at home, surely this isn’t right. Her mother has to give my father( her grandfather)full time care, how is she meant to do that when her 3 yr old daughter is in the house and I am at work
Mandy Garner says:
Have you contacted your local authority’s education department?
Gemma Webster says:
I’m a single parent working full time (my own business which I can’t work from home) with three children, the father to my youngest (6yrs) works in higher education (key worker) and I’ve been told my son can’t have a school place as I’m not with the father?
Joanne says:
Hi. I have started working in currys pcworld in November. Am I a key worker? Selling washing machines, cookers etc? I am strugling with care for kids and I have to work to provide for family. I cant be forlough as not been there long enough.
Mandy Garner says:
Looking at the key worker criteria published by the government, it doesn’t look like that would come under key worker status. Is it possible for your employer to redeploy you so you can work from home? The only other options would be annual leave or unpaid parental leave. What does your employer say? You can also form a childcare bubble with another household for childcare reasons – https://www.gov.uk/guidance/making-a-childcare-bubble-with-another-household and if you are a single parent you can form an extended bubble with another household.
Susie Jackson says:
Hi,
me and my partner are technically classified as Key Workers.
I say technically, we fall into the categories outlined by the government, but we work from home.
We requested a space at the school for our daughter who really struggles with lockdown, getting anxious and not able to sleep, having nightmares and so on.
However, we felt a little guilty when on Friday she came back from school saying that her teacher said that children whose parents work from home should stay at home as the school is not a baby-sitting facility. My daughter was then really concerned we were breaking the rules.
So my question is: are we really breaking the rules? having children around it is quite challenging as we merely have time to prepare lunch for ourselves, let alone look after the children.
Thanks for your help.
Mandy Garner says:
Hi, the Government guidance says if you are a key worker your child can go to school. However, due to safety fears about the number of children still being sent to school, the Government guidance has been altered to state: “Parents and carers should keep their children at home if they can.” You should therefore check with your local authority.
Rachael says:
Hi, I run a hygiene supply company we deliver cleaning chemicals and ppe to the schools and hubs that are offering services to the NHS. Would the company’s and it’s delivery drivers be classed as key workers?
Mandy Garner says:
Check the guidance here – https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-maintaining-educational-provision/guidance-for-schools-colleges-and-local-authorities-on-maintaining-educational-provision. If this is linked to childcare provision, you could also check with your local authority’s education department.
Luke McMahon says:
Hi,
Our Daughter is two, and wife is a key worker (works in a nursery). When she goes back we have no choice but to put my daughter into nursery with her mum. Is there funding for this. We normally pay but now she is going back in for more hours and the costs nearly outweigh her mum’s wages.
Mandy Garner says:
Have you checked out on http://www.turn2us.org.uk if there are any benefits you can get – they have an online benefits calculator. Failing that, is she able to talk to her employer and ask if they can waive fees or come to some agreement, given they are asking her to work more hours? Will it be at the same nursery as your wife works?
Anthony simon says:
My wife is her nannas carer she goes shopping for her and sorts her finances out m. She needs to go to her home to help her through the week as she has dementia. She gets carers allowance for doing this. Does this class my wife as a key worker?
Mandy Garner says:
I’m afraid she would not qualify as an unpaid carer.
Anthony simon says:
But she does get paid off the government to take care of her.
Mandy Garner says:
But she is not employed as a carer.
Kayte says:
I’m an unpaid carer to a disabled child. During last lockdown I was given keyworker status. Just waiting to hear if that still stands this time around.
Anthony Smart says:
My daughter looks after me, she cooks,cleans,does my shopping for me, and occasionally washes me. Is she a key worker.
Mandy Garner says:
I’m afraid unpaid carers are not considered key workers.
Rachael says:
Hi, I am a pregnant teacher who is currently working from home and defined as a key worker. I am due to have my baby in the next few weeks and wondered if I am still deemed a key worker whilst on maternity leave? I ask this as I have a 2 year old who is currently going to a childminder and I will need this to continue once my new baby is here as I’m having a caesarean. Can anyone help?
Mandy Garner says:
You are still employed as a key worker, but the government guidance is that children who can be kept at home should be if at all possible. You could double check this with your local authority.
Mandy Garner says:
Hi Anthony,
The Government appears to have changed the guidance on who can be tested and it suggests that unpaid carers may now be treated as key workers. It says under the heading ‘List of essential workers and those prioritised for testing (England only)’: “All NHS and social care staff, including: doctors, nurses, midwives, paramedics, social workers, care workers, and other frontline health and social care staff, including volunteers and unpaid carers
Eve says:
My mum is a nanny and is unsure if she can get tested, since nobody knows if she’s a keyworker. She works for a gp and I’ve got symptoms
Mandy Garner says:
Have you contacted your local authority? The guidance is not clear on nannies, but it appears they are not key workers, although registered nannies were not included in the closure order. You could check this out with PACEY – https://www.pacey.org.uk/working-in-childcare/spotlight-on/coronavirus/faqs-coronavirus/#nannies
Jenni vaughan says:
My daughter works in large diy store as kitchen designer. Her firm wont furlough her but she has no childcare as partner works away from home. We are older grandparents and cant help with childcare at present.
Mandy Garner says:
Is she able to form a childcare bubble with friend, relative or neighbour? https://www.gov.uk/guidance/making-a-childcare-bubble-with-another-household. Otherwise, her options are to take unpaid parental leave or annual leave. Is she able to do any work from home or does she have to be on site 100% of the time?
LOUISE BIRKS says:
How do I know if I am a keyworker or not.
Is anyone on here a key or essential worker but is not considered key or essential. I work in school but no provision is given for childcare. If my husband wasn’t at home I wouldn’t have anyone to look after my 9 year old son. I don’t have a key worker letter.
Mandy Garner says:
What do you do? According to the key worker list for education it “includes childcare, support and teaching staff, social workers and those specialist education professionals who must remain active during the COVID-19 response to deliver this approach” – see https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-maintaining-educational-provision/guidance-for-schools-colleges-and-local-authorities-on-maintaining-educational-provision. Have you checked with your local authority?
Clara Johnstone says:
Am I a key worker? I am a Secretary in a GP Practice. We are not NHS and there is little to no work for me at the moment due to hospitals not taking new referrals. They will not let me work from home. My teen does not want to go to school and I don’t want her to go either due to the risks, but don’t want to leave her home alone. I have hypertension, a rare bleeding disorder and immunocompromised due to suspected Lyme Disease and want to avoid catching COVID-19. I have asked to be furloughed but they refuse. I have to take unpaid leave as they cite that I am a key worker and they can find other work for me to do at the Surgery. School don’t really want an extra child to look after and if I’m not a key worker I don’t think should have to anyway. I feel like I’m between a rock and a hard stone.
Mandy Garner says:
Hi, The government guidance with regard to health workers who are key workers includes “the support and specialist staff required to maintain the UK’s health and social care sector”, which is fairly vague, but could include secretarial support. How are they justifying that you cannot work from home? Are you able to get a note from your GP about your health issues and make a stronger argument for working from home?
Ceri says:
Hi, I’m a single parent who works in two schools, one as a kitchen assistant and the other as a cleaner, I only have child care for the cleaning part of job I was told by my child’s headteacher that I’m not entitled to put my child in a school
Anyway my daughter has had a letter of the gp saying she’s in an at risk group and she should pay particular attention to the stay at home rule
So with me not really wanting my child mixing with childcare of children who could be higher chance of carrying COVID-19
If my boss said I could take her to work with me is this advisable
The letter is because she had a pulmonary stenosis
Because it’s a council I work for I think they are planning on not paying me if I say I can’t go to work
Can I get furloughed if I requested it or aren’t councils entitled to this ?
Mandy Garner says:
Hi, If your daughter has a letter from the GP it is likely to mention that she should stay at home for at least 12 weeks so she should not go into the school. If you work for a public sector organisation you may not be entitled to furlough. Contact the Working Families helpline to check whether this applies in your situation – https://workingfamilies.org.uk/advice-information/free-parents-carers-helpline/
Ceri says:
Thank you
Although her letter says she in an at risk group it’s not a shielded group but it states she should pay particular attention to staying at home
I really don’t think it’s fair that I won’t get paid it’s not my fault
And i don’t think I should risk taking her to places where she’s at higher risk of catching it
Jane says:
Hey I am a key worker working from home now because I am 4 months pregnant. I have a 3 year old and her nursery is still open and she can still go. Can I take her to nursery even wen I am pregnant working from home.
Mandy Garner says:
If the nursery says it is ok and you have no other underlying health issues, it should be okay if you manage to social distance when you drop off. See the RCOG guidelines – https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/guidelines-research-services/guidelines/coronavirus-pregnancy/covid-19-virus-infection-and-pregnancy/
Minnie mouse says:
Ex partner new gf works in a shop and he is refusing to have our children because she is in contact with public! Can he do this!
Mandy Garner says:
See https://www.workingmums.co.uk/coronavirus-increases-custody-tensions/
Nicola says:
Hi, i work in a private school as a cleaner and is being used as a hub which only 2 classrooms being used as the most children we have in is 8 and not enough work for us all! Are we classed as essential? There are 7 of us cleaners and was wondering if we are classed as keyworkers as our company have given us all a letter without there name on it for proof to say our work is essential but the letter states we are providing food in the kitchen which is a lie!
Mandy Garner says:
Hi, This is the key worker list – https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-maintaining-educational-provision/guidance-for-schools-colleges-and-local-authorities-on-maintaining-educational-provision. It says education support staff and I would think cleaning is vital at these times, but you could double check with your local authority.
Karen says:
I work at a school as a cleaner we have no key workers children in a but are still being asked to go in there is hardly any work as part of the school is being knocked down and part of our new build is not finished so not enough work for us all so surely we are not needed how did you get on
Anita darkish says:
My daughter is my full-time carer I am 61 years old and she cares me full-time she’s got three children who are still in school I’m just wondering if she classed as a key worker can the children still go into school she’s not unsure about
Mandy Garner says:
I don’t think she would qualify as a key worker as it sounds as if she is not paid to do care work. This is what the guidance says on social care: “This includes but is not limited to doctors, nurses, midwives, paramedics, social workers, care workers, and other frontline health and social care staff including volunteers; the support and specialist staff required to maintain the UK’s health and social care sector; those working as part of the health and social care supply chain, including producers and distributors of medicines and medical and personal protective equipment.”
Jenny says:
I am classed as a key worker but am on a zero hour contract and haven’t been offered any work in the past week or two as my store (retail/pharmacy) is quiet currently due to its location. I have been told I may be offered work if they need me.
I’m classed as vulnerable as I have M.E. and asthma among other conditions but I’m not in the “shielded” or “most vulnerable” lists who’ve been told to go home.
I feel I should be working to do my part to help if I am but I’m scared of my m.e. becoming worse if I contract the virus. I already get a lot of help from my family with the rest of my life in order to manage my current work. I don’t think I could manage if I became any worse but I can’t afford to not earn anything potentially for weeks.
Would I be covered by statutory sick pay if I stayed home to self isolate?
Mandy Garner says:
See https://www.actionforme.org.uk/living-with-me/coronavirus-and-me-cfs/
Jenny says:
Thank you
Richard field says:
Hi im a key worker at a distribution company i suffer from hypertention and ive been told im in the at risk group because of this condition.
Im currently at work but getting more concern for my health.
Can i stay at home and claim the governments 80% of my pay?
Mandy Garner says:
Your employer would have to request to furlough you so you would need to go through your employer. Have you spoken to your GP? I know it is difficult to get through. You could also consult an organisation like the British Heart Foundation for advice – https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/news/coronavirus-and-your-health
Nne says:
I am a key worker, have been on maternity and due to return to work in 3 weeks time. I have a 3 years and a 10months old children. My childcare provider is shut, not been able to get any child care provider around where I live. What can I do as I no longer receive maternity pay.
Mandy Garner says:
Hi, have you been in contact with your local authority? They should be able to direct you to a nursery that is open and help you.
Nne says:
Yes I have been in contact with them, I was told there is no nursery open as it is not a compulsory school age.
Paul Davies says:
Hi I am a key worker, but have reduced our contracted hours from 40 to 30 can they do this
Mandy Garner says:
Could you send more details to [email protected]? Were you consulted on this and what is the justification for it?
Tracey Wilkinson says:
Hello I’m key worker and I got six year old, she go to her grandparents once a month weekend when I have to work would be that ok?
Mandy Garner says:
The Govt advice on grandparents only seems to be about those over 70 or at risk. While it is trying to restrict social contacts it could be argued that getting key workers to work is the greater priority. Check with your local authority to see what they say.
Jan says:
Hello,
My husband and I are keyworkers. My in-laws were taking care of my son however since they are over 70 and have followed instructions by the government.
My 22 month son has been taken to A&E 2 times over the past 6 months due to breathing issues (given nebuliser and steriod liquid and has an inhaler). My husband can work from home. However, my job said I can only work from home if I’m pregnant, self-isolating due to having COVID-19 or having a family member or 12 weeks shielding if myself or family member are in a vulnerable category and have received a letter from the NHS.
I am not pregnant, no one in my house hold has symptoms and have not received letter from the NHS in regards to my son. . Hence, I will the have to consider going AWOL and not get paid. My concern is infecting my son with COVID-19 and the consequences that he has been in hostpial twice after catching a common cold.
Any advice?
Thanks
Mandy Garner says:
Is this due to asthma? If so, contact Asthma UK for further advice – https://www.asthma.org.uk/advice/triggers/coronavirus-covid-19/.
Jan says:
Thank you.
Adam bennet says:
Hi there I need some advise. I am a key worker but I also suffer with asthma So am in the at risk category. where do I stand as I am worried about going in to work as I’ve been off for 10days as my asthma started playing up and was put on meds to help my breathing, I do feel better now but am worried. What do I do?
Mandy Garner says:
Contact Asthma UK who have advice for asthma patients – https://www.asthma.org.uk/advice/triggers/coronavirus-covid-19/
Adam says:
Thank you
sherry rouse says:
I work in the cafe in a large tesco store it is not owned by tesco it is a franchise , we do not get paid by Tesco its a totally different company. Now as hospitality staff ee are classed as non keyworkers, but our company have offered the services of myself and my colleagues to work in the Tesco store without us even being asked ! Most of us ( especially with children) do not want to do this and would rather be furloughed but our company is stating if we dont do as they say we will just not be paid ! Please any advice would be wecome. Thank you
Mandy Garner says:
Hi, It would depend on your contract about redeployment and whether you should be consulted. The Government guidance is that if you are not a key worker and cannot work due to the coronavirus [ie your cafe is closed] your employer can apply for furlough status.
sherry rouse says:
Thankyou
We know they can apply for furlough and we’ve asked but they are stating because they have ‘found’ us work they won’t furlough us ! I’m sure they are in the wrong 😔
Leanne Coggins says:
I am a key worker for a company paid by local authority so we will not furlough, however I am also caring for my mum who is on palliative care if I continue to work I cannot continue to care for or have contact with mum as she has to be shielded, is there anyway I can claim some form of income/benefits so I can care for mum during this pandemic?
Mandy Garner says:
Contact Carers UK – see https://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/health/looking-after-your-health/coronavirus-covid-19
Kay Wright says:
Hello.
I am a keyworker and have a child who is in childcare but I have been told they are shutting next week.
My partner and I are separated and he is also still working but is not a keyworker, however, he doesn’t work with the public and it’s a small business.
Both of my parents have serious health issues that prevent me from using them to care for my child.
Can you advise me on any options?
I looked at my local authority’s website but there was nothing I could see about childcare .
Mandy Garner says:
The best thing is to ring your local authority schools and learning dept on Monday.
Rachael says:
Both myself and my partner are key workers and rely on our parents for childcare 3 days a week. Both sets are in their 50’s and healthy, are they still ok to have my son? Even if they come and stay at my house whilst having him?
Mandy Garner says:
Hi, The government advice is that grandparents over 70 or at risk should not look after grandchildren. The guidance does not cover younger grandparents, but the general aim is to restrict social contacts. You could ask for further information from your local authority who are coordinating childcare, but there is nothing covering younger grandparents specifically at the moment, as far as we know.
K25 says:
A lady that works in the hospital near me went to pick her kids up from her ex husbands house they had been there while she was working has now been fined for picking them up. I’m in the same situation my dad is 50 and currently has both my children as me and their dad with in healthcare we are picking them up tomorrow but expecting a big fine. Also had to tell my dad we will not be able to take the kids down now until its all over
Mandy Garner says:
Hi, Michael Gove stated last week that separated/divorced parents are still able to share care of their children during the crisis so I am not sure why this lady has been fined. With regard to your situation, you should clarify this situation with your local authority. The government guidance only states that grandparents over 70 or with underlying health conditions should not look after grandchildren and that social contact should be reduced as much as possible. There is childcare provision for key workers which you should be able to access via your local authority, but it may not cover all the hours key workers need so there has to be some give and take over the guidance.
Alice says:
I have been asked to nanny for one child who lives near by 3 days a week, as both parents are key workers, all my family are at home and have been for a week now and havent had any sympotons, is that still okay?
Mandy Garner says:
See https://www.nannytax.co.uk/blog-1/how-will-coronavirus-affect-nanny-employers
christine tansley says:
My son in law is key worker in supermarket , my daughter is pregnant at home with 2 children , they are worried with him mixing with people & coming home to them can he be furloughed ? His boss has said no .
Mandy Garner says:
At the moment (last updated 23 March 2020), government guidance only requires people to self isolate if they are displaying symptoms of coronavirus or someone in their household is displaying symptoms. If you live with vulnerable people (e.g. pregnant women), then the government recommends taking extra precautions to minimise the risk of exposure to the vulnerable people you live with.
Amy Haywood-Gehrung says:
Does that mean living separately to avoid passing the virus to the pregnant person?
Mandy Garner says:
This would be up to you to decide. You can also do social distancing at home, etc. If the pregnant woman is not in the high-risk category [ie underlying heart issues, the guidance is here – https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-on-social-distancing-and-for-vulnerable-people/guidance-on-social-distancing-for-everyone-in-the-uk-and-protecting-older-people-and-vulnerable-adults
Toni says:
My stepfather has been advised he is high risk and should isolate for 12 weeks as he has no spleen. my mum works in social care and doesn’t know what she should do or what pay she would be entitled to if she isolated with him to protect him. He is worried she will bring the virus home if she goes to work. I cannot find anything online to confirm her rights.
Mandy Garner says:
The following should answer your question – https://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/health/looking-after-your-health/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-further-support
Worried cashier says:
I work in a supermarket and I am a single mum of 2. I also have asthma. Im currently self isolating as I’ve developed a cough. When the isolation period ends, I’ll be expected to return to work but this scares me. If I get seriously ill there is no one to look after my children. What are my options? Can I go sick? (I never go sick) would this be allowed as I have underlying health issues that require social distancing but my job doesn’t allow for that. 2m would not be possible in a supermarket. The queue for the till behind touches my till and the aisles aren’t 2m wide.
I’m truly scared and I’m so anxious, I cant sleep or eat and I have a tight feeling of dread in my chest.
Mandy Garner says:
Contact Asthma UK – they have advice here – https://www.asthma.org.uk/advice/triggers/coronavirus-covid-19/
Eloise says:
My husband and I are both critical workers but I am able to work from home. Should I send my toddler to nursery? I would struggle to continue working with him at home but confused by the guidance to look after at home where possible.
Mandy Garner says:
The guidance is that if you can keep your child at home you should, but key workers will have access to childcare. Check with your nursery.
sally gemmell says:
hi ,i am a care worker at a home i am also my mums carer who is living with me now though this bad times as she needs personal care and food ect my partner and mother has copd and mum also had kiddney probs, heart and diabetic who have had a letter to stay in for 12 weeks is it safe for me to still go to the nursing home to work or should i stay home with then so they will be safe
Mandy Garner says:
See https://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/health/looking-after-your-health/coronavirus-covid-19
Sarah evans says:
Hi I work as a care assistant and my daughter is a at risk person she has got Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease and has to isolate for 12 weeks can I still work
Mandy Garner says:
See the advice here about looking after at risk people – https://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/health/looking-after-your-health/coronavirus-covid-19 and here – https://www.asthma.org.uk/advice/triggers/coronavirus-covid-19/
Katie says:
Hi, sorry if this has been asked already. I am a key worker but my daughters preschool has closed. My work say if I cannot get childcare then I will not get paid, is this right? I’m actually in isolation at the moment but due to go back next Thursday and I’m worrying now I will lose my money completely? What rights do I have?
Mandy Garner says:
Have you contacted your local authority – they should have advice on alternative childcare provisions for key workers whose schools/nurseries have closed.
Katie says:
Thank you I will do that today
Jane says:
I’m a key worker as I work in a supermarket. I’m also a single parent, and should I become ill I have no one to look after my child. I do not want to send my child to school to mix with other children. I understand if I stay at home it will be unpaid. However, my company are saying I have to come into work. Surely, that’s my choice as I’m concerned for mine and my child’s health by working at this moment in time. Can my company insist I work bearing in mind my circumstances?
Mandy Garner says:
You would need to apply for parental leave or time off for dependents – which is unpaid – in order to continue staying at home.
June warren says:
I am a care assistant in residential care for elderly I have copd and have regular chest infections. Do I self isolate for 12 weeks as of yet I have not received conformation of this
Mandy Garner says:
Contact your GP asap.
Amy says:
Yes definitely self isolate immediately.
Leslie bright says:
Hi my daughter works in a nursery looking after kids and it was shut becouse of the virus now her boss is asking he to look after the baby of of a couple who are doctors at york hospital in their house, my daughter lives with us with us…with her 2 year old,our grandchild, I have underline problems and self isolateing should her be doing this.
Mandy Garner says:
Has your daughter explained this to her boss? The boss has a duty of care to your daughter and cannot enforce a change of workplace on her without her consent.
Dulcia says:
Hello I am a groundsman at a school. Is this classed as a key worker ? I maintain the grounds – grass, trees etc.
Mandy Garner says:
This is the govt list – https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-maintaining-educational-provision/guidance-for-schools-colleges-and-local-authorities-on-maintaining-educational-provision. If you are unsure, contact your local authority.
Sharon says:
My daughter and partner are key workers but they normally come to me in the morning about 6.30 I drop my grandson off at school and keep my 2yr old granddaughter till one of the parents get home. I am 50 will I still be able to do this for them?
Mandy Garner says:
Here is the latest advice on childcare – https://www.workingmums.co.uk/coronavirus-childcare-information/
Sammy says:
Ok this is my question I’m considered a key worker and live with both my parents who are considered high risk what do I do? I dont want to risk getting the virus or risk it getting to them and as far as I can tell there is nothing in place to help reduce this stress and burden
Mandy Garner says:
See https://workingfamilies.org.uk/articles/coronavirus/. The first question and answer.
Kimberley Rogers says:
I’m a teaching assistant and my partner is in food distribution centre. Both keyworkers and I’m return to work parttime after maternity but have been isolating due to caring for 70+ aged parents do I need to return to work or can I self isolate with my baby and still care for parents
Kimberley Rogers says:
Babys nursery wont take him as advised by government so no childcare
Mandy Garner says:
Hi, contact your local authority who should be able to advise.
Mandy Garner says:
See https://workingfamilies.org.uk/articles/coronavirus/. The first question and answer.
[email protected] says:
I am an administrator in a care home; am I a key worker? I don’t feel like I am as they have asked me to do cleaning in the home. Can I say no to that request?
Mandy Garner says:
Hi, under the key worker list you would qualify – see https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-maintaining-educational-provision/guidance-for-schools-colleges-and-local-authorities-on-maintaining-educational-provision
In the current circumstances where many people are self isolating or sick, it seems reasonable that your employer is asking people to cover for other jobs.
E says:
I work admin within a care home. My work have told me that in case of any lockdown within the carehome (someone gets ill) staff have to stay in the home 24/7 for as long as it will go on for, this could be 3 weeks or 3 months for it to clear out of the home no one knows. I would be surrounded by coworkers and elderly residents getting ill and potentially dying and myself too getting ill. I have no care experience. I am told it’s this or simply no pay/no work for as long as they are in lockdown. I am facing potentially months of no pay because I am not wanting to be locked down In the home for weeks or months. Is this acceptable?
Mandy Garner says:
Contact the Acas helpline on 0300 123 1100.
Julie says:
Hi there,
My father is classed as a key worker, he is a cleaner in a veterinary pharmaceutical company. My mother has COPD. He hasn’t been given any advice in work or any extra PPE with regards to coronavirus. He’s very scared of it and potentially taking it home. Is there anything he can do?
Mandy Garner says:
Hi, The advice if someone has to work is to ensure there is social distancing – see https://www.asthma.org.uk/advice/triggers/coronavirus-covid-19/
Lorraine shaw says:
I clean for a couple who are over 75 and one has a mobility problem is this classed as a key worker to the vulnerable
Mandy Garner says:
I don’t think this would strictly qualify as a key worker. You can see the Government advice here – https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-maintaining-educational-provision/guidance-for-schools-colleges-and-local-authorities-on-maintaining-educational-provision
Denise says:
have you heard yet about grandparents caring for keyworkers children?
My daughter is a single parent with three children and is expected on night shift for two nights, Am I able to go to their house as usual to have them?I am 67 and in fairly good health also my other daughter is a keyworker and I care for her children as well as I am part of that household
Mandy Garner says:
Gransnet is stating that grandparents cannot look after grandchildren if they do not live with them. We are still seeking confirmation about this.
Emmawells says:
I am classed as a key worker. I work for a parcel company which delivers mostly clothing from next, river island etc. We are being told by the business that if we are not in isolation we must attend work. This involves training new couriers on a hand held scanner which is impossible to do with the 2 metre social distancing rule. There are also approx 20-40 couriers attending the local sub depots to collect their parcels daily and we are to be there at this time also. I am worried as I have a 2 year old and I do not want to send her to nursery. I do not feel my role is critical enough to put myself and my daughter at risk but the business are telling us otherwise.
Mandy Garner says:
As a key worker the only thing you could do is to ask for parental leave, which would be unpaid or to talk to your managers about enforcing social distancing better and/or providing better protection.
Amy kondri says:
Hi I work full time in the media and my husband at a tele communications company. Last year my husband was diagnosed with a brain tumour and will be receiving radiotherapy for 6 weeks, 5 days a week (he is currently in a wheelchair after his operation to remove his surgery). We have 2 children one at school and one at nursery. My question is do my children get classed as vulnerable as I can’t leave them with grandparents now we are on lock down? I can’t take them to the hospital every day but I am not classed as an official carer for my husband as I work full time so what am I suppose to do when I have to take him for his treatment every day? Can my children not get a place in there schools or nurseries? I have asked them this question and no one can answer me?
Mandy Garner says:
Have you tried contacting your local authority with regard to childcare?
Kook Aron says:
I’m a cleaner at school. My husband has diabetes. The school want to me to go to work. If I don’t go to work will I lose my job?
Mandy Garner says:
Diabetes UK has advice on what you can do in this situation – https://www.diabetes.org.uk/about_us/news/coronavirus
Ayesha Robinson says:
My son is 21 and because of the corona virus can he look after my daughter at my house its only myself and my daughter there I’m a key worker and he has no underlying health issues.
Mandy Garner says:
Does he live there normally?
Ayesha Robinson says:
No
Mandy Garner says:
I know that the advice to grandparents is that they can’t look after children of key workers, even if they are fit and healthy and that the only provision is schools and nurseries open to key workers which you can access through the local authority.
Ayesha Robinson says:
So grand parents can’t but my son might be able to it’s hard cause the government are taking into consideration night staff and what we will do including nurses doctors ect who have to do night shifts.
Sarah says:
Hi where have you got the info from that grandparents even if they don’t fall into the vulnerable category can’t care for grandchildren even if both parents are a key worker? Thanks xx
Mandy Garner says:
It is from Gransnet. We are trying to seek clarification from the Government.
Michelle Barraclough says:
I am a key worker, single parent of 3 dont have the option to send children to there dad, dont have a place for school for them, can a family member come to and from my property to ensure the wellbeing and childcare of my children whilst I am at work please
Mandy Garner says:
Have you contacted your local authority about childcare provision for key workers?
Lorna says:
Hiya I am also a single parent, and a keyworker. My daughter has been exceptionally anxious as we all have during this time and has broken down when I have mentioned going to school. It would also mean she would have to catch the bus as we live miles away from the school and I start very mornings before the school even opens. I feel I have very little options, I can’t leave her home alone either as she is feeling this too! It’s heartbreaking, and I feel I have to do the best for her now! But it also means I have no income! 😩
Ayesha Robinson says:
Hi can my son look after my daughter at night I am a single parent and work in a dementia care home if he does not live in my house.
Mandy Garner says:
Contact Gingerbread on https://www.gingerbread.org.uk/what-we-do/contact-us/helpline/
Steven says:
Me and my wife are key workers. Grandparents can’t look after my child and the nursery is closing. One of us will have to stop work but we can’t afford it and as it’s a key worker job we won’t be able to get the 80% back. Any advice
Mandy Garner says:
Hi, Have you contacted your local authority to check if there is any other childcare available for key workers in your area? You could also look at applying for benefits if your income drops significantly as a result of this – https://www.workingmums.co.uk/coronavirus-your-questions-answered/
Sarah says:
Hi I work as a office admin assistant for a care agency. Do I class as a key worker? I have been told that I cannot work from home where I should be working from home as advised by government
Mandy Garner says:
This is what it says in the Govt guidance: Health and social care
This includes but is not limited to doctors, nurses, midwives, paramedics, social workers, care workers, and other frontline health and social care staff including volunteers; the support and specialist staff required to maintain the UK’s health and social care sector; those working as part of the health and social care supply chain, including producers and distributers of medicines and medical and personal protective equipment.
Katie Bentley says:
I’m a key worker. I don’t drive and no bus near me are running. Are my parents aloud to drive me to work?
Mandy Garner says:
Is there anyone from your work who could pick you up? Have you contacted your workplace about the situation? It is unclear what the Government position is on this as yet.
lynne says:
I am a keyworker with a young child who goes to private nursery 3 days a week. my parent usually care for the children on the other two days but they are classed as vulnerable so will not be able to. Will i get any help with paying for the extra two days private nursery care?
Mandy Garner says:
We are urgently checking on this. Do you get any tax credits as the Government has announced an increase in these – see http://www.turn2us.org.uk for more advice on benefits.
Michael Lawrence says:
Hi everyone
I’m classed as a key worker and so is my partner. Both of our places of work are still up and running so we are still going to work. We have 2 children and my daughter is classed as very high risk, due to an immune deficiency. We feel we are risking her health by still going to work although we could not survive on SSP.
Any thoughts or advice ???
Many thanks
Mandy Garner says:
Have either of you spoken to your employer about whether you can take paid time off to look after your daughter? Have you checked out benefits eligibility if your income were to fall if, for example, one of you had to take unpaid parental leave? http://www.turn2us.org.uk has advice on what you might be entitled to.
Kelly Weir says:
We are Secretaries working in NHS, are we to still to come to work or are we to stay at home? We are not receiving any updates from Management and are of course concerned for our health and our families?
Mandy Garner says:
This is the Government advice on key workers – https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-maintaining-educational-provision/guidance-for-schools-colleges-and-local-authorities-on-maintaining-educational-provision
sandra says:
my daughter is a key worker in a store but i have recently had a bowel cancer operation and her dad has had half a lung removed in sept last year and is on the at risk list .. she is so terrified of bring the virus home to us she asked for leave but they told her she will not get paid and if she does it will eat her time and a half hours she has done .. she has been working flat out 12 hour shifts all week .. what are her rights .. the government says shes to stay away from us but she lives with us ? she doesnt want to lose her job… she just wants to self isolate for our safety ..
Mandy Garner says:
That is really hard. Legally her employer doesn’t have to give her paid leave, although she could ask to take annual leave. The advice from the Asthma UK may be of help around shielding and social distancing – https://www.asthma.org.uk/advice/triggers/coronavirus-covid-19/
Kirdlap says:
My husband is a postman, and I am a teaching assistant. We are both still working. My father in law who is 70 with diabetes lives with us. If I choose to work from home, I will need to take unpaid leave. What can we do?
Mandy Garner says:
If your income reduces because you cannot work you may be entitled to help through benefits – see http://www.turn2us.org.uk for more information.
LSF says:
hi i am a clinical assistant at a private physiotherapy centre. should i still be at work i am unsure as my boss continues to be open and i dont want to not go in in case i lose my job?
Mandy Garner says:
Health workers are on the key worker list, but I would think that private physiotherapy would not qualify – see https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-maintaining-educational-provision/guidance-for-schools-colleges-and-local-authorities-on-maintaining-educational-provision
Mandy Garner says:
Do you have children? If so, you could contact your local authority who will be coordinating childcare for key workers’ children and check if they would consider you a key worker. If not, you should not be at home.
Sfl says:
It doesn’t say anything specific enough for physio therapy whether we can still be open or not so that’s why I’m struggling
Mandy Garner says:
Yes, I think it is doubtful that it would come under the key worker list. If you have children you could try asking your provider or local authority if they would consider your role a key worker role.
Mandy Garner says:
Hi Sophey, It appears the Government is now saying that people should keep going to work if they cannot work from home. It is very unclear and I suspect this may change soon. Apologies.
Sarah says:
Hi, I have to work as a key worker (postal office) however I do not wish to go as I have a son at home who is asthmatic and am worried if I catch it then the possibility is I may pass it on to him. Is there something I can do which enables me to stay at home and not lose my job whilst trying to keep my son safe.
Mandy Garner says:
Hi, You could try Asthma UK who have advice on coronavirus – https://www.asthma.org.uk/advice/triggers/coronavirus-covid-19/. The only thing you can do legally in this situation if you are required to work as a key worker and your employer does not allow you time off, is request parental leave or time off for dependents, which is unpaid, or request annual leave.
Iris Mussett says:
I’m a post office clerk too, I can’t Beltane amount of unnecessary post I’ve handled today, people ignoring the government advice
Laura Evans says:
Hi, I’m a key worker – my son is 3. The preschool in our village opened yesterday but there was only my son and one other child there. Today there was only my son and he was so hysterical I took him home. Preschool have said it’s not really viable for them to open for 1 child anyway – and there is no other facility for him to attend that’s nearby. (Not that I would want to leave him somewhere unfamiliar) My eldest has a place at school. My husband would not be paid if he took time off to look after the children. What do I do?!
Mandy Garner says:
Contact your local authority and tell them your situation.
Lee says:
Hi, complicated question. My wife and I have recently separated. I’m staying with my mum who has a history of heart troubles and takes medication daily. My wife also has medical history of pneumonia, but is registered with NHS as a bank worker, however she hasn’t ever worked for them due to Maternity. She has said that they’ve contacted her regarding starting work so wondering if she has to actually work given her history. She is under impression that she can’t go back home after working a shift for 12 weeks and would have accommodation provided. Also stuck in rock and hard place with regards to our 7 month old son. Can I split my time between my mum’s place and look after him then his mum has him overnight….really confused by the guidance as situation is pretty unique. Any advice gratefully received. Lee
Mandy Garner says:
Hi, Michael Gove has said that in cases of parental separation, children can continue to travel between parents. With regard to concerns about your mum you would need to practice self isolation to ensure she is not at risk. Although not the same as your situation, Asthma UK has some useful advice – https://www.asthma.org.uk/advice/triggers/coronavirus-covid-19/
G says:
Am I a key worker? I really dont know. I would in the accounts department for and Airfield Light company. I am just so confused.
Mandy Garner says:
You can read the full list here – https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-maintaining-educational-provision/guidance-for-schools-colleges-and-local-authorities-on-maintaining-educational-provision. Are you at all able to do your job from home as, if you can, you should definitely be at home.
Jack says:
My son normally attends a private nursery. My wife has been defined as a key worker. We don’t want to send him to the nursery during this period (I can keep him at home with me). Do we still have to pay for the nursery even if we keep him away, since theoretically the nursery are still able to provide the service in our case?
Mandy Garner says:
It would depend on your contract with your nursery – see https://www.workingmums.co.uk/coronavirus-your-questions-answered/
Mrs Cara Cleaves says:
I am an assistant Head who needs to be working 2 days a week. My husband is a joiner and will be looking after our children on these days which means he will not get paid. Will he be able to claim 80% of his wage? Thank you
Mandy Garner says:
Is he self employed? The scheme does not apply to self employed people and only applies to furloughed workers ie people who cannot work at all due to the coronavirus. There are other measures in place for the self employed who cannot work and if he reduces his hours there may be benefits support available – see https://www.workingmums.co.uk/coronavirus-your-questions-answered/
Mrs Cara Cleaves says:
No, he works for a joinery. His boss owns the joinery.
Mandy Garner says:
The advice around construction is vague, but the Government is saying stay at home unless your job is critical. Employees who are not able to work due to coronovirus may be covered by the Government’s job retention scheme so his employer could check this.
Hollie Guile says:
Im a single parent and also a key worker, my children are in school when needed. I have to work weekends and my children go to there dads when i work at the weekends… will this still be able to happen as i have to work?
Mandy Garner says:
Michael Gove has confirmed that shared care can continue.
Mandy Garner says:
Michael Gove has confirmed this morning that shared care will continue for separated and divorced parents ie children can continue to see both parents.
Martin says:
My wife is is a key worker managing care packages for the vulnerable both in and out of the hospital. Our school has confirmed they will only take children of keyworkers who have to work away from home. This means my wife will not be able to do her job, are the school correct?
Mandy Garner says:
The advice is that key workers should try to keep their children at home if they can and that schools/nurseries will be available if they can’t. Contact your local authority for more advice.
Claire Saglam says:
I’m a key worker I work in a nursing home I have had a txt message off nhs saying I’m vulnerable as I’m on immune suppressant medication I know I should stay at home but the people I look after needs me more what should I do please help
Mandy Garner says:
Hi Claire, You should definitely stay at home if advised. If you put yourself at risk you will not be able to help anyone.
Abi says:
What about pay? Will she be entitled to full pay?
Mandy Garner says:
Sorry, could you explain what comment this is in connection with?
S says:
I am a nanny working from a private family. They have 3 children. Dad is working from home and mum is home as she is not working. Should I be at work?
Mandy Garner says:
The Govt says only key workers should be at work.
NannyLL says:
Hello, I am a nanny and the parents are both home. They ARE NOT key workers and could manage the children. I am a nanny that goes above and beyond. After watching the news saying we are on a lockdown I got very anxious. I told the family I would need to go home as there is a lockdown. Their reaction if I’m honest shocked me and I am very disappointed in them. They said I can still come into work. They have kindly provided me a taxi Monday morning to come in and Friday evening to go home. (I live in with the family weekdays). The family sees no problem with me working still and to be honest I feel a lot of pressure from them to still work. I thought the announcement was clear unless your travel was essential… you must stay home. I repeat, they are not key workers. Although they have been kind with travel arrangements this is still not ideal. I am still putting myself and my family at risk going back and forth bouncing from home to home. It only takes one person not to clean their taxi properly and I could possibly catch the virus and pass it on. I have extremely vulnerable family members. One being a poorly and disabled niece who is only a toddler. I could never forgive myself or the family for that matter if I pass anything on to anyone in my family. I’m in a dilemma as they don’t seem to see how serious this is and social distancing is social distancing. I’m nervous as I want to go home. But scared they won’t pay me. I recently lost my mum and all the bills now fall onto me. The same with my mothers debts. I can’t afford not to have money coming in but I feel like I’m being forced to work. Which is now making me see them in a different light and I am now currently at work upset, angry and not my usual chipper self 😥
Mandy Garner says:
This is what we have just received. Kate Ledwidge, senior associate at law firm JMW Solicitors, says: “There are anecdotal reports out there about non-critical workers still either being forced or being permitted to travel into work to do their jobs. It is hard to tell exactly what is “absolutely necessary”, to use Boris Johnson’s words, in terms of work, but the government guidance was clear that if there is any way you can stay at home, and not travel into work, you should not do so for the protection of public health. Therefore, if employers are forcing workers to come in to perform non-critical roles, this could potentially lead to a legal claim from a health and safety perspective or even a constructive dismissal claim (at a push). This would be particularly the case for businesses that the government has specifically told to close – e.g. clothes shops, beauty salons, restaurants and gyms. However, the biggest immediate issue is the serious reputational damage if you are seen to be prioritising profits over public safety.
Michelle Cotsell says:
I work at the university as accommodation cleaner. My job isn’t listed as keyworker. I’m entitled to 18 weeks of UNPAID leave to look after my children but can’t afford that. We are still working so should I send my children to school as we qualify for it as parter works in a food shop?
Mandy Garner says:
Contact your local authority to check if you would qualify for childcare.
Mandy Garner says:
The Govt has said only those who absolutely need to work, ie keyworkers, should be at work. If you are at home you would be able to look after your children. Schools are only open to key workers who cannot look after their children at home.
Ali says:
I am a key worker (NHS secretary). I could work from home, have requested this but have been told no, there are no laptops and my manager wants us in work for as long as possible. The issues I have is that I am a single parent, my son has a place at a school however this is not his normal school and he is upset about going as he doesn’t know anyone and they only have one small indoor room and one small outdoor area to play in. The school also has shorter days meaning I am getting to work late and finishing 30 minutes earlier than my regular hours in order to pick him up and the only option my manager had was to come in and work another day to make up the hours.
Having been denied working from home and given how upset my son is, is there anything I can do? I want to do my part and help, but of course my son comes first and it is awful to see him so anxious and knowing that it is my fault. Thank you
Mandy Garner says:
Hi, Do you have your own laptop and could you work from home? The Government’s advice is very clear that anyone who can work from home should work from home. You could ask for parental leave or time off for dependents [which is unpaid] to cover settling your son into a new routine. This would be more disruptive for your employer, but could help to put more pressure on them to agree homeworking.
Aiasha Ali says:
Hi, I’m a key worker in NHS but my elderly, vulnerable and disabled mother stays with me. If me carrying on working putting her at more risk should I be going to work? Am I expected to work as normal?
Mandy Garner says:
See https://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/health/looking-after-your-health/coronavirus-covid-19
Joanna wallis says:
I work in a school laundry. Although the school is completely closed to pupils, I’m still being asked to attend work. Is this correct or should I be at home in lockdown?
Mandy Garner says:
The Government advice is to stay at home unless you absolutely have to work, ie you are a key worker.
Janet says:
I am very confused at the moment as I am a type 1 insulin dependent diabetic I am thinking I should stay at home however I work as a nurse in a g.p practice so unable to do my job from home what should I do
Mandy Garner says:
Have you received any communication from the NHS on this? See also – https://www.diabetes.org.uk/about_us/news/coronavirus
George lovelock says:
I am a parka work I have to go to a council yard to get keys and a tractor. My mum is high risk she has one working lunch should I be going to work ?
Mandy Garner says:
Are you a key worker? If not, the Government advice is to stay at home.
Mandy says:
Hi I am a cleaner in a residential home for vulnerable adults am I classed as a key worker just a bit confused
Mandy Garner says:
The Govt advice on keyworkers in health and social care includes cleaners.
MISS MICHELLE I Kelly says:
Hi I’m a care worker and my partner has diabetes should I stay off work thanks
Mandy Garner says:
Check with Diabetes UK – https://www.diabetes.org.uk/about_us/news/coronavirus
Haley says:
Me and my wife are both key workers with 2 year olds. Her mum usually looks after them two days a week when we both have to work. She is under 60 with no health issues. Can she continue to look after them so we can both continue to work?
Mandy Garner says:
We are urgently checking this.
Jacqueline Walker says:
Have you any update on this as my daughter is a nurse and I care for her 3 children, 2 are under school age when she is at work, they stay with me 2 nights a week when she is working. I am under 60 and have no underlying medical problems.
Mandy Garner says:
This is what Gransnet says: From Friday 20th March, all schools in the UK were closed until further notice, except for the children of key workers and vulnerable children. The Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, also announced that children should not be left with grandparents or others who are vulnerable to the virus.
We know from our research that over half of Gransnet users regularly look after their grandchildren, but in these difficult circumstances, grandparents are not allowed to provide childcare.
Donna says:
Hi what if the grandparents are in their 50s with no health problems at all. They are also both key workers but they only have my children a couple of hours a week as I do one evening a week.
Mandy Garner says:
At the moment the advice about not babysitting grandchildren seems only to relate to older grandparents – over 70 or at risk – although the emphasis on reducing social contacts generally.
Marlene Scofield says:
My son and daughter-in-law are both key workers they have a son who is 18 months , myself and his other Nan look after him while they are at work, we are not in the high risk category can we still look after him?
Mandy Garner says:
We are urgently checking this.
Sheila hart says:
My daughter is a key worker in banking , she is a single mum working from home I want to take care of my 4 year old grandson so he doesn’t need to go to nursery to lessen his contact with the corona virus, with the lock down can I still go and collect him from their house x
Mandy Garner says:
We are checking on this urgently.
Sara Drury says:
Myself and my husband are key workers. We have three children, one at primary school, one at preschool. The youngest is normally looked after by my mum whilst I am at work. Who can care for my child while I am working now?
Mandy Garner says:
Contact your local authority. We are checking if grandparents, etc, can continue to care for children of keyworkers.
Jo says:
I am a key worker working with vulnerable and elderly. My husband has received a message from the NHS to isolate for 12 weeks, what should I do? Il be with him when not working so will have more chance of passing anything on
Mandy Garner says:
If they are on the at risk list, they will have been advised to avoid any face to face contact with people and observe social distancing, etc. Asthma UK gives further advice on this – https://www.asthma.org.uk/advice/triggers/coronavirus-covid-19/
Ash says:
I am a key worker in a school and expected to work 1 day a week. My 15 year old son is asthmatic and often depends on steroids. He has been self isolating at home. I am worried about working with children, particularly those who’s parents are nhs staff and the risk of bringing it home to my already compromised son. My husband also has diabetes, although is not self isolating just working from home wherever possible. Is there any guidance on whole families self isolating if there is someone at risk in the household or am I obligated to keep working?
Mandy Garner says:
Asthma UK gives further advice on this – https://www.asthma.org.uk/advice/triggers/coronavirus-covid-19/. It is worth talking to your employer if you are worried and want to reduce your risk.
Kelly Sitton says:
Hi I’m a nanny both parents are working from home 1 parent is a key worker but can do his job from home. Should I still be expected to go in. Thanks
Mandy Garner says:
We are checking this in light of the lockdown. Normally it would depend on your agreement with the family and whether you have concerns about anyone in the family being ill.
Paul Howourth says:
Me and my partner are both key workers and our kids are allowed to stay in school, however are we allowed to leave our kids with family at a weekend when we are at work, especially as the country is expected to be put on full lock down any time soon
Mandy Garner says:
It is up to you if you want to leave your children with family at the weekend.
Sarah says:
Even if they live in a different house? Is it ok for a friend to have your child so you can work? (I’m a key worker too)
Mandy Garner says:
Contact your local authority about this.
Kim Pritchard says:
What do you do if you company is saying its a keyworker to keep going and you feel its non essential service, who do you contact for advice?
Mandy Garner says:
This is the govt list – https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-maintaining-educational-provision/guidance-for-schools-colleges-and-local-authorities-on-maintaining-educational-provision. Schools will also be making decisions on whether people are key workers so if you have a child you could ask your local authority to see if they would qualify.
Jacob says:
Hi Kim
Did you find any contact to get advice?
I have similar situation. Even my company doesn’t follow social distance rule and was many people with COVID symptoms and they didn’t do anything with that. Still forcing people to come to work
Mandy Garner says:
See https://workingfamilies.org.uk/articles/coronavirus/
Charlotte says:
Hi I’m a key worker as I work for the dwp in a call center, I live at home with my mum who is high risk and she has now been told by her doctor that she needs to stay at home for 12 weeks. What does this mean for me , does it mean that I will need to stay at home also because I’m in contact with people every day?
Mandy Garner says:
If your mum is on the at risk list, she will have been advised to avoid any face to face contact with people and observe social distancing, etc. Asthma UK gives further advice on this – https://www.asthma.org.uk/advice/triggers/coronavirus-covid-19/
martin says:
I am a diabetic and my partner is a nurse, should she go to work as I am a high risk ?
Mandy Garner says:
See https://diabetestimes.co.uk/diabetes-uk-issues-guidance-on-how-to-avoid-coronavirus/
Julia says:
My husband is a key worker and because I have asthma and his step son my son is an adult with SLD he moved out to keep us safe. My sons behaviour has deteriorated so badly he has become very violent. Could my husband come home and stay off work to keep me safe.
Mandy Garner says:
Hi, Please do contact your local out of hours emergency duty service or, during the week, the learning disabilities team that you come under.
Mandy Garner says:
I would think that your safety is paramount so even if you got an outside agency person in they would be the same risk as your partner.
Danielle. says:
Does working in a call centre for a mobile phone company class as a key worker I’m confused with what they published
Mandy Garner says:
Check with your employer. The guidance is quite vague.
Emma says:
I’m a carer for my son age 12 with adhd has a statement and I get carers and he gets dla
Emma says:
If one parent is a keyworker but the other parent is at home not a keyworker and off work should i still be accepting that child into my nursery? the mum brought the child in today even though she is at home with other children?
Mandy Garner says:
The Government advice is to encourage anyone who can keep their child at home to do so even if they are a key worker, but if they cannot work without childcare support they should get it.
Andy says:
My wife is a key worker but I am not. I am working from home and my wife travels to work in her office. Our nursery says that since I am working from home I should be looking after our 1 year-old daughter, even though it is impossible to do my job while caring for a young child. I will have to stop working to cover childcare, cutting our income in half. I am confused by this as the government policy seems to be that only one parent needs to be a key worker to be eligible to send a child to nursery.
Mandy Garner says:
Hi, The government guidance is that key workers can have access to childcare, but that if they can keep their child at home they should to reduce social contacts. You could contact your local authority to seek further clarification.
Josie says:
Hi!
I am a key worker who work for an RAF nursery, however I am pregnant. Will I get paid to take the prime ministers advice and stay home (which is what i will be doing for the next 3 weeks). Panicking about finances a little as we rent a house! One wage wont cover our financial status.
Thanks for reading!
Mandy Garner says:
see https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/guidelines-research-services/guidelines/coronavirus-pregnancy/covid-19-virus-infection-and-pregnancy/
Hazel nolan says:
I am a key worker but have asthma and on steroid spray would I have to go in work
Mandy Garner says:
Hi Hazel,
This is the govt list on those who should stay at home – https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19
If you have concerns regarding asthma, contact Asthma UK for advice – https://www.asthma.org.uk/advice/triggers/coronavirus-covid-19/
Susan Smith says:
If I have to work from home because I am pregnant and have asthma, should my husband who has been classed as key worker in civil service be going into work, and then coming into contact with me each day? I can’t find any relevant guidance on this what households with a vulnerable member should do in relation to their paid work, other than if where there were symptoms, in which case all should self-isolate at home.
Mandy Garner says:
If you have concerns regarding asthma, contact Asthma UK for advice – https://www.asthma.org.uk/advice/triggers/coronavirus-covid-19/
Joe says:
Some large workplaces with 100s of staff these places remain open because they fall in this category Surely we can live without unhealthy fast foods, snacks,drinks the TVs cars even fencing and roadworks! to help control the spreading and focus on the back to basic food supplys &equipment medicines etc that will save us government need to reduce the number company’s that are are key on paper but not really that essential then staying home will be more safer and a positive move against risk of catching/spreading
Shaun says:
I’m a heating engineer (key worker), I have 3 children at home and my partner is type 1 diabetic and pregnant (high risk), so therefore I’m having to self isolate for the full 12 weeks with her to protect her and the unborn baby, even though the company I currently work for is still operating, am I entitled to claim the 80% salary from the government? Due to my circumstances?
Mandy Garner says:
Ask your employer about whether they are able to claim for you. The company has to claim the money.
Perry Bland says:
I am currently working in the critical areas full time for covid 19 as an nhs member of staff. My husband is not a keyworker but is unable to stop working as a manager as this means the buisness Will have to close. Our childrens school has rejected a place for childcare for keyworkers because of this. This is forcing me to stay at home taking away a member urgently needed in the nhs. Can you tell me where I stand please?
Mandy Garner says:
Have you contacted your local authority to explain your situation?
Anonymous says:
I am currently self-isolating for 14 days after symptoms. I am staying away from my mum during these 14 days as she is considered vulnerable with diabetes and COPD on 24hr oxygen generator. I am considered a key worker working in childcare but don’t know how I feel about being around mum and working as well after this 14 day period as people in NHS will quite potentially have been in contact with COVID-19 patients and I do not want to take anything home.. any advice on what to do? 🙁
Mandy Garner says:
Does your mum live with you or can you keep a distance from her? If you do live with her, talk to your employer about your concerns for her well being. They may be able to claim compensation if you cannot work.
Anonymous says:
She lives with me. I’m only staying away currently for the 14 day isolation period but if I go back to her after this I could be in contact with people working in hospitals. I cannot find anything published by the government at this stage regarding key workers living with vulnerable. ALSO, she had her text yesterday to say stay in for 12 weeks as a vulnerable person?
Mandy Garner says:
Although not the same as your situation, Asthma UK has some useful advice for people who are confined for 12 weeks – https://www.asthma.org.uk/advice/triggers/coronavirus-covid-19/
Chrissy says:
My husband and I are key workers. We have a nanny at home – is she a key worker?
Mandy Garner says:
They are not named on the list.
James smith says:
I’m a key worker and my ex wife and I share child care. She to works for the council. We both have new partners and have decided to ensure our child simple remains between the two houses. Is this the correct practice ??
Mandy Garner says:
Michael Gove has confirmed this morning that parents who are separated or divorced can continue to share care.
R says:
I am 6 months pregnant and working from home, my husband is a key worker and our son goes to a private day care. Should I still be sending him to nursery considering I am high risk?
Mandy Garner says:
Do you have any complications in your pregnancy? see https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/guidelines-research-services/guidelines/coronavirus-pregnancy/covid-19-virus-infection-and-pregnancy/
Danielle Humphries says:
My Husband and I are both key workers. Now we are in ‘lockdown’ both my parents who live in the next street are at home. Can I send my children to them rather than to school. My parents are not classed as vulnerable or high risk etc.. Surely it is better for the children to only mix with two people ( grandparents) rather than 20 plus children at school??
Mandy Garner says:
We are seeking urgent advice on this and will let you know.
Mandy Garner says:
Contact your local authority to check on whether you can access key worker childcare.
Debbie says:
My Son works in a Suremarket and lives at home , My husband has recently had phumonia and is on 12 week isilation and we both are vunurable .Should he still go to work we are really worried as we are both self isolating
Mandy Garner says:
If anyone in the family living with you has had coronavirus the whole family should be self isolating.
Hayley says:
I am a teacher and my husband is also a keyworker who cannot do his job from home. My son was going to be looked after by grandparents when I’m in work (early 60s, no underlying health conditions). After tonight’s speech can that now not happen as we are from different households?
Mandy Garner says:
We are urgently checking this.
G says:
I am a key worker for a retail outlet i have asthma and struggle with this ive recently had time off prior to the coronavirus outbreak on sick with my asthma I have 4 kids one has one lung, my wife has had pneumonia and pleurisy will the government help me as i dont want to risk myself or my family. My doctor recently told me i had 5 to 10 years left im 39.
Mandy Garner says:
Check the latest government advice on who should be in isolation.
Milly says:
I am a key worker and have to keep working, however my partner is high risk and is taking immunosuppressive medications and is likely to have to isolate for 12 weeks. We have a 3 year old we’ve been told to separate from his dad as much as possible but this isn’t possible as I work 12 hours 6 days a week currently. Is there any way I can get my son into a nursery to maximize time seperated from dad. Or is it best to isolate them both and I stay away from them?
Mandy Garner says:
Talk to your local authority about nursery care.
Sarah Mansell says:
I am a key worker and work in the food retail industry where I am face to face with customers my daughter is 4 weeks away from having her baby and who also has gestational diabetes she lives at home with me, Should I self isolate to protect her?
Mandy Garner says:
Hi, ask her daughter to speak to her midwife as they will be better able to advise.
Jo says:
Y a key worker in community rehabilitation/ care but my daughter has been hospitals due breathing issues they said 3 times was quite a lot over and half or 2 years so the have give n her a prevetitve inhaler which touch wood seems to be working. My concern if is if go back to work am I putting my daughter at risk. If so I would rather lose money than do that. I currently on the sick as I have been having abdomal pain had ct scan nothing found. Waiting for Larcopay camera in womb can’t spell it.i had to phone for an ambulance last week and was hospitalised speed but only for a night.what should I do.
Mandy Garner says:
Are you talking about asthma? It is worth contacting the asthma experts here – https://www.asthma.org.uk/advice/triggers/coronavirus-covid-19/
SHELLEY GADD says:
Im a single parent and classed as a key worker. I have a 9month old baby my mum who is high risk normally looks after her. What do i do?
Mandy Garner says:
You can take parental leave or time off for dependents, but this does not have to be paid. Some nurseries will be open for key workers, but you would have to pay for this, which – even with tax credits – may not be viable for you, even in the short term. Do you have any network of friends who could help if they are having to look after their own kids – so long as this would not place your child at risk?
Georgina says:
Would this option be permitted do you know, given the new information about staying at home?
Mandy Garner says:
Can you write to me directly at [email protected] about this and I can advise?
F says:
Am I ok to offer to look after my nieces and nephew while my sisters/ brothers in law who are all key workers work their shifts? Would it be “safer” than attending school? I don’t want to add to any risk. I am also a key worker and not in any vulnerable category.
Mandy Garner says:
This is really up to you as you can best ascertain the risk.
heidi says:
I am a carer and have 2 children that are asthmatic. I work 12 day shifts and my kids are 16/19. They are isolating as high risk but I’m struggling to shop as they used to help but am more worried about bringing it home to them.
Mandy Garner says:
If you have concerns about asthma, contact Asthma UK – https://www.asthma.org.uk/advice/triggers/coronavirus-covid-19/
Kirsten Smith says:
I am a TA and my husband works with gas, oil, electricity and water sectors ands he cannot work from home. We are both considered as key workers, but, our daughter is steroid dependant and should follow stringent social contact. My school is expecting for me to go in, but we cannot get any childcare for our daughter Should I be staying at home as we do not have any other means of childcare? Any advice greatly appreciated.
Mandy Garner says:
You should speak to your GP if you are worried about your daughter’s health at this time and can take parental leave, but your employer doesn’t have to pay you – see https://www.tuc.org.uk/blogs/coronavirus-school-closures-what-are-my-rights-time
Dameon Greaves says:
Im a key worker and so is my partner. She wants to stay at home to look after are children instead of going to work. Will she still get paid if she doesnt go?
Mandy Garner says:
She will have to negotiate this with her manager. Parents can take parental leave, but employers do not have to pay for this.
Nahid Gokce says:
My cousins are both doctors and working on frontline nhs I’m a volunteer for caring for uncle and aunty and have a son of 4 years old what do I do
Mandy Garner says:
Hi, do you mean in terms of employment?
Michelle says:
The Govt. has agreed to meet 80% of my salary .As a “key worker” will my salary be topped up to the full 100%,
Mandy Garner says:
The 80% figure [up to 2.5K a month] is for people who are not able to work due to coronavirus. They have only announced it will cover 80% of salary.
Claire says:
I’m a key worker but my child has asthma and I care for my older Parent 72 who has Parkinson’s dementia I can’t take my daughter to school my partner is main breadwinner and needs to hold his job I’m told to go into work tomorrow I’m unsure what to do I don’t get paid if I have time off for childcare issues
Mandy Garner says:
Hi, your employer can claim compensation of up to 80% of salaries up to 2.5K pounds a month if workers are unable to work due to coronavirus.
Faye says:
Ima single mum to a toddler. I am teaching staff, my 64yr old mum looks after my daughter while I’m at work (part time hours)
My options either risk seeing/passing to my mum or not getting paid which as you can imagine isn’t really an option…what do I do?
Mandy Garner says:
Your school should be able to claim compensation of up to 80% of your salary if you are unable to work due to childcare issues related to coronavirus.
Mia says:
I work for a local authority, but I am not a Key Worker. Since Social Distancing guidlines were issued, we have been instructed to work from home instead of the office (as a public place this has now been closed also) but since Schools and EYS have now closed too many of us are now supposed to work from home and some how manage to home school & provide childcare for our children at the same time; (I am a single mum with 2 children, one nursery age, one Yr 6).
We have been informed that we can have 14 days parental leave to make alternative arrangements but any additional parental leave will be unpaid. There isn’t any alternative childcare for non-key workers so how can this be right?
Mandy Garner says:
Unfortunately, this is the reality many parents are in and some employers are more understanding than others and will reduce expectations – see https://workingfamilies.org.uk/workflex-blog/schools-out-and-the-problems-of-inflexible-and-insecure-work-are-laid-bare/
Jessica says:
Im a dental nurse but also a type 1 diabetic, i am confused, should i go to work as i am a key worker, or stay at home as i am classed as high risk?
Mandy Garner says:
Check with diabetes experts – eg https://www.diabetes.org.uk/about_us/news/coronavirus
Jackie brown says:
I work part time on a checkout and my daughter and husband are vulnerables: I don’t feel protected at work and want to isolate with my family, what are my rights regarding having to work and pay.
Mandy Garner says:
Talk to your employer. Is there a union rep there? Your employer should be able to seek compensation if you are unable to work due to coronavirus.
Carl says:
Hello my wife and my self works for a charity in which we are going around helping people who are self isolating and the vulnerable collecting and delivering food bank supplys and shopping. Qouls we be considered as a key worker?
Mandy Garner says:
The key worker list is here – https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-maintaining-educational-provision/guidance-for-schools-colleges-and-local-authorities-on-maintaining-educational-provision. Check with your charity and your local authority.
Katie wright says:
I am a single mum of a 13 year old. I work for the nhs in an admin role. Medical records. The official government list doesn’t mention admin staff and I wouldn’t say we are critical. However my boss says the school should accept my son to attend. Therefore have to still work full time or leave my son at home alone. I need clarification on what to do.
Mandy Garner says:
The best thing is to contact your school and ask them about the situation. There have been complaints that the key worker list is fairly vague.
Joanna Murphy says:
I’m a key worker but unable to drop my daughters at the school registration time at 09.00. can l drop them off at 09.30? Also am l able to only send them on a few days of the week?
Mandy Garner says:
You need to contact your school to negotiate this. School timetables may not be operating as normal in any event.