The Home Office has warned people that it currently takes up to 10 weeks for a passport to be issued as staff working in Passport Offices are set to go on strike. More than 1,000 Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union members working in Passport Offices are walking out for five weeks.
Staff across England, Scotland and Wales will take part in industrial action from April 3 to May 5 in a dispute over pay, job security, pensions and redundancy terms. It’s part of a wave of walkouts among civil servants across a number of government departments.
Workers in Durham, Glasgow, Liverpool, London, Newport, Peterborough, and Southport are involved in the strikes. It comes at a time when many Brits will be looking to renew their passports, or apply for one, in time for the summer holidays.
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The Home Office reassured travellers that its “guidance has not changed” in light of the strike action. Yet holidaymakers should be aware that it can take up to 10 weeks for a passport to be issued - which means those who apply this week wouldn’t receive their passport until the first week of June.
In a tweet the Home Office said: “We know customers may be concerned about the news of @ HM_Passport strike next month.
“Our guidance has not changed and you should still allow up to 10 weeks to get a passport. Plans will be in place so we can continue to deliver this vital service.”
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