Passengers are being warned to expect delays at UK airports as Border Force staff walk out during the festive period. The Public and Commercial Service (PCS) union has announced Civil Service industrial action that will impact Border Force services over several dates in the coming weeks.
In the event that industrial action does take place, the government plans to deploy military personnel, civil servants and volunteers who are trained to support Border Force staff at airports and ports. Despite these plans, the government advises that travellers should still prepare for potential disruption.
Manchester Airport has issued a statement regarding the strike action, saying that it doesn’t “anticipate the need for cancellations” and that travellers should not need to change their plans. Read on for everything you need to know about the Border Force strikes and Manchester Airport’s statement in full.
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When are the proposed strike dates?
The proposed Border Force strike dates are: December 23, 24, 25, and 26 (until about 7am), then December 28,29,30 and 31 (until about 7am).
Where are the proposed strikes?
The strike action is set to take place at: Birmingham Airport, Cardiff Airport, Gatwick Airport, Glasgow Airport, Heathrow Airport - Terminals 2,3,4 and 5, Manchester Airport and the port of Newhaven.
What should passengers do?
Travellers entering the UK are warned that they could face longer wait times at border control and they are urged to use eGates if they are eligible to do so. People are advised to check the latest travel advice with their airlines, travel agents and airports before travelling.
Those waiting to pass through the border are urged to be patient with staff as all forms of abuse and inappropriate behaviour will be reported to the UK police.
What has Manchester Airport said?
A spokesperson for the airport said: “Following the announcement of industrial action by UK Border Force (UKBF) staff at several UK airports - including Manchester - we have been working closely with the Home Office and others to understand the impact this will have, minimise disruption to our operation and support the safety and wellbeing of colleagues and passengers.
“The industrial action will take place on 23, 24, 25, 26 and 28, 29, 30 and 31 December, during which time we will continue to operate our full flight schedule. We do not anticipate the need for cancellations and passengers do not need to change their travel plans, unless advised otherwise by their airline.
“There is a likelihood that waiting times at the Border will be – at times – longer than usual on these days, and we will provide whatever support we can to ensure passengers’ arrival back into Manchester is as smooth as possible.”
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