Thousands of "hidden workers" are putting their health at risk by keeping essential services going and deserve more Government support, according to a leading trade union.
Alongside frontline health and care staff, workers including refuse collectors, social workers and teaching assistants face being overwhelmed with work, warned Unison.
The workers are often unable to keep a safe distance or are not entitled to safety kit, said the union.
Unison's head of local government Jon Richards said: "It's understandable that throughout the crisis, public attention has been focused on the UK's health and care workers.
"But it's important the Government and the country as a whole don't overlook the people providing vital services who also face added risks during the pandemic.
"We're hearing day in and day out of the difficulties and dangers. People want to do all they can to get us through the crisis, but they're worried and being made increasingly anxious by their working conditions.
"Ministers have to make sure the concerns of all essential workers are addressed. It's also vital they show a commitment to underfunded local services by increasing budgets so local authorities can increase the pay offer they've made to council workers."
