A Border Force officer checks a passport at Terminal 2 of Heathrow Airport. PA
A Border Force officer checks a passport at Terminal 2 of Heathrow Airport. PA
A Border Force officer checks a passport at Terminal 2 of Heathrow Airport. PA
A Border Force officer checks a passport at Terminal 2 of Heathrow Airport. PA

UK travellers warned of disruption as Border Force staff at ports strike


Soraya Ebrahimi
  • English
  • Arabic

People travelling back to the UK are being warned of delays next week because of a strike by Border Force staff.

As part of a long-running dispute over pay, jobs and pensions, members of the Public and Commercial Services union in Dover, and French ports including Calais and Dunkirk, will take industrial action between February 17 and 20.

Officials said they had made extensive plans to minimise disruption, including training military personnel, civil servants and volunteers to step in.

The government said the strike focused on inbound travel to the UK from Calais, Dunkirk and the Coquelles Channel Tunnel Terminal.

It said it would also affect the Port of Dover, and that all those who are due to travel into any UK port during the strike should be prepared for longer waits.

“It is disappointing for travellers that yet again strike action may cause disruption for those entering the UK," said Steve Dann, Border Force chief operating officer.

“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 and our French counterparts 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.”

The union has urged those affected by the strike to direct their frustration at the government.

UK's plans to cut net migration

Under the UK government’s proposals, migrants will have to spend 10 years in the UK before being able to apply for citizenship.

Skilled worker visas will require a university degree, and there will be tighter restrictions on recruitment for jobs with skills shortages.

But what are described as "high-contributing" individuals such as doctors and nurses could be fast-tracked through the system.

Language requirements will be increased for all immigration routes to ensure a higher level of English.

Rules will also be laid out for adult dependants, meaning they will have to demonstrate a basic understanding of the language.

The plans also call for stricter tests for colleges and universities offering places to foreign students and a reduction in the time graduates can remain in the UK after their studies from two years to 18 months.

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A spokesman said her upset demeanour was due to a personal matter.

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Australia: 272-9 (50 ov)

Khawaja 100, Handscomb 52; Bhuvneshwar 3-48

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Player of the Series: Usman Khawaja (Australia)

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  • Have an up-to-date, professional LinkedIn profile. If you don’t have a LinkedIn account, set one up today. Avoid poor-quality profile pictures with distracting backgrounds. Include a professional summary and begin to grow your network.
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  • Be professional and patient. Always be professional with whoever you are interacting with throughout your search process, this will be remembered. You need to be patient, dedicated and not give up on your search. Candidates need to make sure they are following up appropriately for roles they have applied.

Arda Atalay, head of Mena private sector at LinkedIn Talent Solutions, Rudy Bier, managing partner of Kinetic Business Solutions and Ben Kinerman Daltrey, co-founder of KinFitz

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Updated: February 09, 2023, 9:39 PM`