Flag with a painted rainbow and the words "Thank you key workers", made from calico and acrylic paints by Charlotte and Eleonora, made March 2020 and displayed on the family's boat, summer 2020

During the first lockdown in England, beginning on 23 March 2020, rainbows became symbols of hope. Many children and young people drew pictures and made crafts to display in the windows of their homes.

Key workers are a range of people identified by the UK government as providing an essential service. These include people working in health and social care; education and childcare; key public services such as charities and journalists; local and national government for the COVID-19 response and essential public services; public safety and national security; transport including freight and supply chains; financial services, communication and utilities.

33% of the total national workforce are key workers according to the UK Office for National Statistics. Key workers could still send their children to school if needed. They were also prioritised for COVID-19 testing due to the nature of their roles, and many supermarkets gave key workers priority access due to short term supply issues.