Crossword Genius

Working group needed for a start (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

onset

'a start' is the definition.
(onset is a kind of start)

'working group needed' is the wordplay.
'working' becomes 'on'.
'group' becomes 'set' (set is a kind of group).
'needed' says to put letters next to each other.
'on'+'set'='ONSET'

'for' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for onset that I've seen before include "Beginning; violent attack" , "Advent" , "Start - attack" , "Cast stone in attack" , "Start - opening moments" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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