A key worker indicator is now included in Rent4sure’s
Back to Blog Home

A key worker indicator is now included in Rent4sure’s



The initiative has been introduced in recognition of the invaluable contribution made by key workers, who account for around a third of the total UK workforce.


“Key workers are a large and diverse workforce that we all rely on, so being able to see if an applicant has key worker status could be a boon to letting agents,” said Rent4sure’s Chief Operating Officer, Luke Burton.

Although having key worker status does not change the outcome of the referencing result, flagging the additional information gives agents a fuller picture of their applicant at a time when many are still working remotely.




Appreciation for key workers united the UK during the worst weeks of the pandemic.

The role played by critical workers through lockdown and beyond has not only drawn us all together but been essential to the resilience of the economy, and health and wellbeing of the nation.

Analysis by the Office for National Statistics estimates that, in 2019, 33% of the total workforce were employed in key worker occupations and industries.

This equates to 10.6 million adults across the UK who could be considered key workers, with women making up 58% of these critical roles.

Key workers form an integral part of the lettings pool and often need to live close to work. Spanning all age groups and geographical locations, they carry out a wide variety of roles vital to community infrastructure across both public and private sector.

When it comes to renting, applicants working long and variable hours want a process that’s streamlined, quick and hassle free, while agents need the reassurance of reliable referencing that tracks and verifies monthly income.

Innovative referencing, using technological advances such as Open Banking, can provide the solution. Open Banking means there’s no need to obtain paperwork, making the process easier and quicker for everyone.

With permission, agents see a true snapshot of an applicant’s finances so they can access accurate financial information before setting up a tenancy.

The technology is established, proven safe and secure, and the data allows the facts to speak for themselves. Additional information, such as flagging up an indication of key worker status, adds more useful detail from which to make an assessment.

To find out more about our Open Banking Reference, or to talk to your account manager about how we can support you, contact us today on 0330 088 3774 or click here.