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The aim of this study was therefore to explore the impact of the pandemic on the working lives and mental health and well-being of non-healthcare keyworkers in the UK.<\/jats:p><\/jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Design<\/jats:title><jats:p>In-depth, qualitative interviews, analysed using a reflexive thematic analysis.<\/jats:p><\/jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Setting<\/jats:title><jats:p>Telephone or video call interviews, conducted in the UK between September 2020 and January 2021.<\/jats:p><\/jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Participants<\/jats:title><jats:p>23 participants aged 26\u201361 (mean age=47.2) years employed in a range of non-healthcare keyworker occupations, including transport, retail, education, postal services, the police and fire services, waste collection, finance and religious services.<\/jats:p><\/jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Results<\/jats:title><jats:p>Keyworkers experienced adverse psychological effects during the COVID-19 pandemic, including fears of COVID-19 exposure, contagion and subsequent transmission to others, especially their families. These concerns were often experienced in the context of multiple exposure risks, including insufficient personal protective equipment and a lack of workplace mitigation practices. Keyworkers also described multiple work-related challenges, including increased workload, a lack of public and organisational recognition and feelings of disempowerment.<\/jats:p><\/jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Conclusions<\/jats:title><jats:p>In efforts to reduce psychosocial concerns among non-healthcare keyworkers, there is a need for appropriate support during the COVID-19 pandemic and in preparation for other infections (eg, seasonal influenza) in the future. 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