Key defence staff make school critical workers list

Homeland March 23, 2020

The Department of Education has announced which employees are categorised as ‘key workers’ –allowing their children to continue to attend school despite their closure as part of measures introduced to control the coronavirus pandemic.

Military personnel, contractors deemed critical to defence and security plus Ministry of Defence civilian workers take their place on the list that includes professions such as frontline health and social care staff, police, fire & rescue, border security, food supply chain workers, postal and utility workers.

The Defence Secretary, Ben Wallace, has already announced new measures to put service personnel and Reservists on standby to support public services in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

An additional 10,000 military personnel have been put at a higher readiness and Reserves placed on standby to support public services as part of a new “COVID Support Force”.

These measures are part of contingency planning to respond to any request from other governments departments or civil authorities for support during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Defence Secretary said: “The men and women of our armed forces stand ready to protect Britain and her citizens from all threats, including COVID-19. The unique flexibility and dedication of the services means that we are able to provide assistance across the whole of society in this time of need.

“From me downwards the entirety of the Ministry of Defence and the armed forces are dedicated to getting the nation through this global pandemic.”

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Ben Wallace Coronavirus Defence Department of Education key workers