key worker

noun

worker who is considered to provide an essential service but not necessarily in a special legal category

Alternative form of keyworker.
“How has NR had to change its maintenance regime? Network Rail is adapting its maintenance regime to ensure staff safety as far as possible. Maintenance staff are considered key workers and are allowed to continue their jobs. [...]”
“Want to see something out of control? Consider this: one of those parking tickets is from the very same council that employs her on a zero-hours contract to help its troubled young people. During the day, she is a low-paid key worker; at night, a problem debtor. That’s how broken our economy is.”