noun · B1

Key Worker

KEEW-urk-uh/ˈkiː wɜːkə/

A key worker (id: keyworker) is someone in an essential UK public service: NHS, schools, transport, utilities. Essential worker is a close twin. Do not call every office job a key-worker role. Civic centres: priority testing for key workers.

Meaning

A worker in an essential public service such as the NHS, schools, or transport (UK).

Examples

“Key workers were offered priority testing at the civic centre.”
“Nursery places were reserved for key workers during the restrictions.”

Good to know

UK: key worker / key workers. Close: essential worker. NHS / schools / transport. Hyphen optional; two words is common. Not every desk job.

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