Travel Warning Due To UK Border Force Strike
Holidaymakers are being warned to expect disruption at UK airports next week as Border Force staff have confirmed further strike action.
The proposed strike is set to start on 01 February until 7 am on 02 February. The Public and Commercial Service (PCS) will be walking out in “the largest civil service strike for years”.
“[It] signals a significant escalation of industrial action after a month of strikes over pay, pensions, redundancy terms and job security,”
Statement from The Public and Commercial Service (PCS)
The walkouts will impact international arrivals at all UK air and maritime ports, as well as those travelling to the UK from UK border controls in Calais, Dunkirk and Coquelles in Northern France.
Longer Wait Times
Travellers entering the UK on 1 February until 2 February should expect longer wait times at border control and are urged to check the latest travel advice with operators before travelling. Passengers who are able to use the e-gates are advised to do so to help ease queues.
Children under the age of 12 are not able to use the e-gates so families will need to queue for an officer.
“Military personnel, civil servants and volunteers from across government are being trained to support Border Force at airports and ports across the UK in the event of potential strike action.
“Border Force are ready to deploy resource to meet critical demand and support the flow of travellers and goods through the border, however those entering the UK should be prepared for potential disruption.”
British Government Statement
Expect More Walkouts
More strike action has been called for next month as train drivers, teachers, nurses and ambulance workers are all due to walk out.
The Unite union confirmed earlier this month that its ambulance workers will be joining the GMB union in a fresh set of strikes on 6 February, alongside nurses, in what is set to see the biggest walkout in NHS history.
The industrial action will include paramedics, call handlers, drivers and technicians – a step up from previous walkouts. NHS chiefs have assured patients that walkouts will not stop ambulance staff from responding to life-or-death emergencies.
February will also be marked by industrial action by civil servants and university staff over pay and conditions.
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