Is this a keyworker job?

[OutingMyself]

This is possibly a stupid question, I don't know anymore.

I am currently on UC, waiting for the referencing to be done on my new part time job so I can start.

Now all this has happened I'd rather not start until it's over. I can't work out if it's a keyworker position though?

It's a call centre job for the county council, taking calls on things like education, highways, transport planning, passenger transport, social care, libraries, waste disposal and strategic planning. It's part time if that matters.

This is the guidance.

It will put the HR stuff back anyway so it will take longer.

Just to add, I have asked them but they've understandably not got back to me yet.

Anyone?

I would say not. You’d mainly be reiterating advice that’s probably on the council website.

er, no

No not essential - that is not an operational role - of course check with the employer.

Thanks, that's made me feel better!

I've still not heard from them.

I work for a local authority, a large county council. We have been told that all roles are key workers, because we are govt staff and have potential to be redeployed. In particular call centre staff are probably more critical than most, in terms of fielding calls related to social care, schools etc etc which will undoubtably increase through all this. HOWEVER, they have said that people must be sensible about the key workers status and basically only use the school childcare as an absolute last resort.

@ethelredonagoodday can you just clarify what you mean about the last part? Do you mean the employer must be sensible or me?

I'm a single parent so I have no other childcare.

@outingmyself my understanding is that as a single parent keyworker you are entitled to use the school childcare but if things escalate you may not be on the priority keyworker list.

In general agree with @ethelredonagoodday

I work for NHS and we work closely with Local Authority

I think we all need to be sensible to make the best use of resources at this difficult time

Doesn’t sound essential to stop people dying to me.

That’s what the list covers - NHS, emergency services, domestic violence workers and food retail industry workers

To be clear, I don't want to use the school childcare.

Ideally I'd like the job start to be put off until this is all over! The thought of leaving DD at school with the kids of front line NHS staff terrifies me.

They didn't reply btw. So now I have to worry all weekend.

I know they're busy though. I'm just self pitying.

I also work for a large county council and we have been told only front line service staff are keyworkers. I don't fall into this category, but have also been told I can be redeployed and may then be required as a keyworker

@OutingMyself the authority have said that to us, as council staff, and that we must be sensible, and that using the schools as childcare is an absolute last resort if we are called to work away from home and have no other option.

The local authority key worker status will only really need to apply to a v small proportion of staff. I think my employer may have taken this approach for ease, because of the sheer number of staff, and because in time we may be redeployed. I've no intention or need to use the key worker status as I can WFH, I'm currently definitely back room, and my OH can work totally flexibly.

I think OP, as others have said, different councils are taking slightly different approaches, so once you get to speak to them, your new employer will advise on their approach.

Hi Op, LA worker here too. As PP has said all LA workers have been classed as key workers so you will be entitled to childcare/school place. I think you are confusing what key worker means though. Believe me when I say all LA jobs are essential these days, you simply don't get to recruit jobs that aren't. If I was employing at the moment and you asked to defer, I would probably withdraw the job offer and move on to the next suitable candidate. We need everyone we can lay our hands to to keep services running. I don't mean to be harsh, but we are desperately trying to keep essential services going.

No, that's fine. I'm considering if it's worth still taking the job or not to be honest.

Will you still be paid UC if you give up a job though?

That's another question I've been thinking about. I'm trying to find their guidance on it.