The government has clarified that convenience store workers will be included in the definition of ‘key workers’ as part of the response to the Coronavirus pandemic.

Colleagues in food retail, distribution and manufacturing have been included in the definition of key worker, along with other essential personnel like supermarket delivery drivers, NHS staff, and emergency service workers.

The clarification comes as school close this afternoon until further notice for all children except those of key workers and vulnerable children.

Read more: Get the full list of key workers

Figures from the 2019 Local Shop Report show that there are currently around 405,000 people working in the convenience sector, with 30% of those having care commitments for other family members.

ACS chief executive James Lowman welcomed the government’s decision, and said: “Convenience stores are a lifeline for local people, providing essential goods in communities across Britain to those who can’t go to larger stores, or can’t get products elsewhere.

“The reassurance of the key worker status ensures that they can keep providing that service.”

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Find out more on our coronavirus information hub for retailers