Adjusted poor rate for a worker (8)
I believe the answer is:
operator
'for a worker' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'adjusted poor rate' is the wordplay.
'adjusted' indicates an anagram.
'poor'+'rate'='poorrate'
'poorrate' with letters rearranged gives 'OPERATOR'.
(Other definitions for operator that I've seen before include "Wheeler-dealer - telephonist" , "Controller of machinery" , "Person at switchboard, etc" , "One using an item of equipment" , "Switchboard worker" .)