Social worker entering factory with a scarf covering head and shoulders (8)
I believe the answer is:
mantilla
'scarf covering head and shoulders' is the definition.
'social worker entering factory with a' is the wordplay.
'social worker' becomes 'ant' (I've seen this before).
'entering' indicates putting letters inside.
'factory' becomes 'mill' ('mill' can be a synonym of 'factory'**).
'with' says to put letters next to each other.
'ant' inserted into 'mill' is 'mantill'.
'mantill'+'a'='MANTILLA'
(Other definitions for mantilla that I've seen before include "Lace veil worn on head by Spanish women" , "Short lace veil" , "Scarf worn over the head by Spanish ladies" , "Silk or lace headdress" , "sort of scarf" .)