The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word PAYROLL
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
P
A
Y
R
O
L
L
More clues leading to the result PAYROLL
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Ready source for workers" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case ready source for workers = payroll.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does PAYROLL mean?
PAYROLL noun- A list of employees who receive salary or wages, together with the amounts due to each.
- The total sum of money paid to employees.
- The calculation of salaries and wages and the deduction of taxes etc.; the department in a company responsible for this.
- Bribes paid to people
- To place on a payroll.