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key worker

British  

noun

  1. a social worker, mental health worker, or nursery nurse assigned to an individual case, patient, or child

  2. (in Britain) a worker in any of a number of public sector professions considered by the government to be essential to society, for example teachers, police officers, NHS health workers etc

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Reuben was her key worker and played a crucial role in supporting her to sit her GCSEs.

From BBC • Jun. 4, 2026

The NHS is required to assign a key worker to help bereaved parents to navigate this process, and provide emotional support.

From BBC • Feb. 5, 2024

The NHS says it offers bereaved families a range of support, and that all health trusts are responsible for identifying a key worker for families when they have lost a child.

From BBC • Feb. 5, 2024

Gavin and Jodie feel they were left to cope with their grief while also navigating a daunting death review process, with no regular support from a key worker.

From BBC • Feb. 5, 2024

This month, UPS agreed to install air-conditioning in new delivery trucks, a key worker demand made in ongoing contract talks with the Teamsters Union.

From BBC • Jun. 30, 2023

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