News story

Securing UK border during strike

Robust arrangements are in place to maintain the security of the border during today's strike action.

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

Over the last weeks and months the UK Border Agency has undertaken significant work, including:

  • training managers, staff and contractors to the high standards needed to carry out secure border checks
  • asking staff from foreign posts to provide additional cover on the day
  • working with travel partners like airlines and port operators to identify potential pressure points.

Suitably-trained staff

Preparations have focused on ensuring every option has been considered to ensure a pool of suitably-trained staff is available to operate the border securely.

Staffing has been structured to allow maximum flexibility to meet the aim of maintaining a full range of checks.

Chief Executive of the UK Border Agency, Rob Whiteman said:

‘Securing the border is our priority and over the last weeks and months we have considered all options to ensure we are prepared for union action.

‘We always aim to minimise any disruption caused by the decision of unions to strike, but travellers could see longer waiting times at some ports and airports.’

Advice for passengers

The four Home Office unions are participating in a strike which will affect border control from the beginning of the evening of Tuesday 29 November until 23:59 on Wednesday 30 November.

We will aim to keep disruption at a minimum, but our priority remains the security of the border and we could see longer waiting times at some ports and airports. We have put contingency plans in place and will work hard to keep delays to a minimum.

You may wish to check with your carrier if you are travelling on Wednesday 30 November.

Passengers arriving in the UK can assist us by:

  • having travel documents, including passports, available and taken out of any wallets
  • using automatic e-passport gates where available
  • having landing cards fully completed and ready
  • staying in family groups

Visa application services overseas might be affected by the strikes in the UK.

Appointments at our public enquiry offices in the UK might also be affected, and we might not be able to process premium applications on the same day. Our Liverpool, Solihull and Belfast offices will be closed for appointments.

Our other services in the UK, including enforcement, will be as close as possible to business as usual.

We would like to thank customers for their patience as we work to maintain the security of the UK’s border.

We will post additional information on this website as it becomes available.

Published 30 November 2011