Brits heading on half term holidays warned to prepare for long delays

10 February 2023 , 12:38

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The Border Force strikes have been planned to impact half term travels (Image: Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

Travellers are being warned they face lengthy delays during half term when Border Force workers go on strike.

Members of the Public and Commercial Services union (PCS) based in Dover and French ports including Calais and Dunkirk will take industrial action between February 17 and 20 as part of the long-running dispute over pay, jobs and pensions in the civil service.

People coming back from the Continent via the French ports of Calais, Dunkirk and the Coquelles Channel Tunnel Terminal, as well as to the Port of Dover, are likely to get caught up in the industrial action.

The Government has warned those people that they should be prepared to face longer wait times.

The PCS Union is calling for a 10% rise and a living wage of at least £15 an hour after the government "rightly heaped praise on workers in the civil service and its related areas in recognition of their delivery of essential public services in extremely difficult circumstances" during the pandemic.

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Brits have been told to expect long delays (Getty Images)

"Inflation has hit a 40 year-high in the UK, meaning millions of people are suffering a cost-of-living crisis," the union said in a statement.

"Tens of thousands of our members are struggling through the spiralling cost-of-living crisis."

The Government said it has undertaken extensive planning to minimise disruption, including training military personnel, civil servants and volunteers from across Government to step in and keep borders safe.

Military personnel will not be sent over to France however, so disruption on that side of the Channel may be more significant.

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

"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.

It is not known quite how significant the disruption is likely to be (Getty Images/Tetra images RF)

"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.

Abta, the trade association for travel businesses, suggested the disruption was likely to be minimal as most half-term holidays are via air.

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It pointed out that previous strikes by Border Force staff at six UK airports over Christmas did not cause significant disruption.

Alan Jones