A senior Border Force official has warned airline and port passengers to prepare for disruption over the Christmas period because of strikes by staff.
The walkouts were announced by the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) Union and will start on Friday (December 23).
Border Force and the government said they have undertaken “extensive” planning to “minimise” the disruption this action will cause.
Steve Dann, chief operating officer, said: “Border Force’s number one priority to is keep our citizens safe and borders secure. We are working together with partners across the travel industry to ensure we can continue to meet critical demand and support the flow of passengers and goods through our border.
“During the periods of industrial action, travellers should be prepared for disruption.
“We encourage everyone to check the latest advice from your operators before travelling.”
He told the BBC that he hoped to keep all airports and ports open as about 1,000 Border Force workers walk out over pay.
The government said thousands of people, including civil servants and military personnel are “ready to support” Border Force over this period, “many of whom are sacrificing their Christmases”.
However, travellers due to arrive in the UK over the Christmas period are warned to expect delays and disruption and are advised to check with their travel agents, tour operators and airlines/carriers about possible disruptions to their journey.
Border Force eGates will continue to function as per normal and those eligible to use them are urged to do so.
The Border Force strike dates are from December 23 to December 26 (until about 7am) then December 28 to December 31 (until about 7am)
The locations affected are Birmingham, Cardiff, Gatwick, Glasgow, Heathrow (Terminals 2,3,4,5) and Manchester airports plus the port of Newhaven.
Julia Lo Bue-Said, chief executive of Advantage Travel Partnership, said it is a “real shame” travellers are facing disruption.
“This is an incredibly busy time for holidaymakers and international travellers, with the industry predicting that five million people are aiming to travel overseas during the festive period, making it the busiest Christmas for travel in three years,” she said.
“It is a real shame that travellers are facing such disruption at this time of year, especially as it is the first Christmas when people should be able to travel freely after the pandemic. Anyone travelling over the next few days will have spent a lot of money to have a Christmas break abroad and these strikes will impact their plans.”
“We encourage all parties to resolve these disputes as quickly as possible to ensure that everyone travelling can enjoy their well-earned Christmas and New Year breaks.”
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