Crossword Genius

Number of social workers who rent accommodation? (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

tenants

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'workers who rent accommodation?' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'number of social' is the wordplay.
'number' becomes 'ten' (ten is a kind of whole number).
'of social' becomes 'ants' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'ten'+'ants'='TENANTS'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for tenants that I've seen before include "Occupiers" , "residents" , "Lodgers" , "They pay rent" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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