COVID-19: School Provision and Key Workers
Are You A Key Worker?
Schools, and all childcare providers, have been asked by the Government to continue to provide care for a limited number of children, including those whose parents are critical to the COVID-19 response.
The Government has published a list of key workers here:
The Government publication says:
“If workers think they fall within the critical categories above they should confirm with their employer that, based on their business continuity arrangements, their specific role is necessary for the continuation of this essential public service.”
Advice To Members
Here’s our advice if you believe you are a key worker:
- In the first instance, you should speak to your line manager to ascertain whether or not your role makes you a key worker.
- If your manager confirms that you are a key worker, you should ask your manager to provide written confirmation of that. It’s almost certain that schools will ask you to provide evidence that you’re a key worker before accepting your children at school next week.
- The Government publication also says “If your school is closed, then please contact your local authority, who will seek to redirect you to a local school in your area that your child, or children, can attend.”. If it’s going to take you longer than normal to take your child to school from next week, it’s important that you raise this with your line manager as soon as you know what the position is so that he/she can plan accordingly. If any problems arise, please contact the Advice Team straight away so that we can advise you.
- If you’re having difficulty establishing whether or not you are a key worker, please contact us on 01234 716005 (choose Option 1).
We will provide further advice in due course, but please do contact the Advice Team on 01234 716005 (choose Option 1) if you have any other questions in the meantime. Our advisers are available to answer your questions 24 hours a day.