UK workers in critical sectors could still send children to school

THE UK Government has announced that the children of those working in the healthcare supply chain, energy, chemicals and food processing sectors are on the priority list to continue attending school.

The Government has closed schools from today to everyone but vulnerable children and those of key workers in an effort to slow the spread of coronavirus. Last night, the government issued a list of key workers whose work is critical to the response.

Among the engineering community, this is those classed as working in ‘health and social care’ including producers of medicines; those in ‘food and other necessary goods’, including food production and processing. And those in ‘utilities’ including oil, gas, electricity, water, water treatment, nuclear, chemicals, and waste disposal.

The Government said: “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.

“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.”

The Government notes that schools remain safe places for children, but having fewer children attending schools lowers the risk of the virus spreading.

For the full statement, visit: https://bit.ly/395f3jq