If you’re a key worker, you’re someone who provides a vital service that we all need, whether that be in the police, health, education sector and many more.
Your occupation is very important, and it’s highly advantageous if you live near to your place of work, especially with long shift hours. It could be difficult for Key Workers to find some form of accommodation near to where they work, which is where Key Worker Housing comes into play.
This form of housing ensures you’re not too far away from your occupation and provides you with as much comfort as possible in the process.
In 2005, the use of the term Key Worker became more prominent in the UK as escalating house prices resulted in a gap between household income and the cost of houses themselves.
Local authorities and public sector bodies especially in the South East and London faced problems recruiting and keeping their workers, as many of them were on lower levels of pay and struggled to get low cost housing for rent or shared ownership.
In response to this, initiatives were designed to house Key Workers including shared ownership schemes and low-cost loans.
With that being said, are you classed as a Key Worker? We’ve compiled a concise list of who exactly falls under the bracket below:
Who is on the list of Key Workers?
Education
If you work in education or childcare, you qualify as a Key Worker. This also includes teachers for schools and nurseries, teaching assistants and social workers.
NHS
When working for the NHS, you are automatically classed as a Key Worker. Whether that be a doctor, a nurse, midwife, paramedic, administrative and cleaning staff, you fall under the bracket.
It’s also important to note that those working in supply chains including distributors of medicines or PPE equipment are also classed as Key Workers, as they are providing a vital service to others.
Public Services
Roles within public service include journalists, postal workers, workers within the justice system, those who manage the deceased, and religious staff. Also included are call centre staff, 999 and 111 critical services, payment providers and waste disposal workers.
Food
If you work in food and retail and other necessary goods you qualify as a Key Worker. This also includes the delivery, distribution, processing and sale of goods.
Government
Those who work in the local and national government admin roles who deliver essential services as well as payment of benefits are classed as Key Workers.
Public safety and national security
This includes Ministry of Defence as well as police, including fire and rescue staff, workers involved with prisons, probation and border security.
Transport
Those who keep road, rail, water and air transport operating are also considered Key Workers.
Utility Workers
This involves those who keep gas, oil, electricity and water sewerage running. As well as workers in civil nuclear, telecommunications and chemical sectors.
Things to consider:
Key Worker Housing is usually close to busy hospitals throughout the country, which is very beneficial to NHS key workers who need to live near to their place of work. It’s important when choosing an accommodation provider that they understand what you need, where, and how long for.
At Homes For Key Workers, all utility bills are included in rent making it a hassle free stay.
Whether you need to find a place to live for either a short stay, or a long let whilst you work in a key sector, there are a number of great options available.
When choosing your accommodation, you need to ensure its comfortable and affordable with all the right amenities to make your stay worthwhile. Your job is extremely important, and you want to ensure when not working, you’re as relaxed as possible with comforting, cosy surroundings.
Key Worker housing is still a difficult and ever evolving topic at times, fortunately, slowly but surely there are a number of affordable, appealing options becoming available for Key Workers through time, whether that be an apartment or a house share with others.