A Border Force officer checks passports
(Picture: PA Archive)Armed forces personnel have been training at Heathrow and Gatwick airports for passport checking roles after Border Force staff announced eight days of Christmas strikes.
Ministry of Defence confirmed that armed forces personnel arrived at London’s two main airports earlier this week, according to Sky News.
The PCS union announced on Wednesday that Border Force officers planned to take industrial action at Gatwick and Heathrow airports on December 23, 24, 25, 26 and December 28,29,20 and 31.
Home Secretary Suella Braverman said plans were in place to bring in army personnel to help fill a “variety of roles” but insisted she would not compromise on security to alleviate disruption.
She warned travellers wanting to head abroad at Christmas to “think carefully” about their plans as strikes would cause “undeniable, serious disruption”.
The Prime Minister’s spokesman said on Thursday: “These rolling strikes will cause disruption to everyone and that does also include our military personnel who will be required, unfortunately, to have to step in and backfill some of these vital roles we need to keep the country moving.
“We recognise that they have been called on to do this before and I’m sure the public thanks them once again for the work they’re preparing to do.”
Staff will also strike in Birmingham, Cardiff, Glasgow and Manchester airports, as well as the Port of Newhaven. The Border Force officials are primarily responsible for checking passports.
Public and Commercial Services union General Secretary Mark Serwotka warned that the campaign of industrial action was one that is “designed to be escalated” if the Government did not meet the union’s demands. Around 1,000 Border Force workers will take part in the strike.
“Like so many workers, our members are struggling with the cost-of-living crisis,” he said.
“They are desperate. They are being told there is no money for them, while they watch ministers giving out Government contracts worth billions of pounds to their mates.”
The Home Office has warned travellers that immigration and customs checks may take longer during peak times on strike days.
A Home Office spokesman said: “We are disappointed at the union’s decision to strike on the proposed dates which will cause an inconvenience to the public and businesses.
“We are working closely with all UK ports and airports and have robust plans in place to minimise any delays if strike action goes ahead. However, passengers should be prepared for disruption.
“Those intending to travel over strike days should plan ahead and contact relevant travel operators before travelling to check how the proposed strike action will affect their journey.”
Military personnel, civil servants and volunteers are being trained to support a range of services as several industries will be hit by strike action this December, including ambulance services, nurses, teachers, and rail and bus workers.
The Ministry of Defence has been approached for comment.
