Parents have been accused of abusing the key worker system and lying about their jobs in a bid to send their children to school. Schools have been forced to check with employers that parents are key workers amid a surge in classroom numbers compared to the previous lockdown. Current guidance allows any child whose parent is a key worker to attend school, even if their parent works from home. But figures show attendance has rocketed, with up to 2,000 schools in England having more than 40 per cent of pupils attending since the start of lockdown - suggesting many are 'lying' about their jobs.