WIREDGOV

The travelling public could face potential disruption at UK ports due to strike action by the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) on Monday 8 March and Tuesday 9 March, the UK Border Agency has warned.

The Chief Executive of the UK Border Agency, Lin Homer, has confirmed that contingency plans are in place to minimise potential disruption, and that UK border security will not be compromised by the industrial action.

Lin Homer said:

"We are disappointed that Public and Commercial Services Union members have voted in favour of industrial action. It means that the travelling public are likely to suffer disruption and delays at border controls as a result of this two-day action.

"We have robust plans in place to ensure that the essential work of the UK Border Agency is maintained and the border remains secure. UK border security will not be compromised by this industrial action.

"We expect that people travelling into the country may experience some delays at border control, but we will work hard to keep these to a minimum and hope that passengers will welcome the commitment of those staff who will be working despite the strike action to ensure they are seen as quickly as possible.

"I am sure the public will find it difficult to understand the PCS continuing to protest on their own against a package which brings the Civil Service into line with the rest of the public sector and still offers more generous terms than much of the private sector."

The UK Border Agency also expects some localised service disruption at Public Enquiry offices and Immigration Reporting Centres.

Passengers can visit the UK Border Agency website at

www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk for up to date information.

Cubby Fox - Press Officer
Immigration Desk, Home Office Press Office

Direct Line: +44 20 7035 3828
Email: cubby.fox@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk

Address: 2 Marsham Street, SW1P 4DF

Web: www.homeoffice.gov.uk

Contacts:

Home Office Press Office
Phone: 020 7035 3535
NDS.HO@coi.gsi.gov.uk