UK Border Agency strike
The UK Border Agency (UKBA) staff will be involved in the public sector strike which is planned on Wednesday, 30 November 2011. This will affect passengers arriving into the UK only, not departing passengers.
Some key points to note about the action that UKBA are taking:
o The timings of the industrial action is 00:01 until 23:59 on 30 November, but due to shift work, it could start on 29 November
o They are expecting significant disruption on 30 November with queues and delays expected
o UKBA have trained as many people as possible to assist on the day with 1000 potential volunteers
o There will be operational staff and volunteers, with a senior manager in control at each port
o A co-ordinator of the police force will be available
o The priority is maintaining security at borders
o With regards to holding passengers on aircrafts, they are aware of the impacts and will do what they can to avoid this on the day
o IRIS and e-passport gates will be operational and there will be mechanics on standby in the event of break down
o Additional staff will be available at e-passport gates to queue manage
o There will be advice to passengers - have passports available, stay in family groups, use e-passport gates where possible etc
o In terms of communication and the media, UKBA is making it clear that there are likely to be disruptions
o The website will be updated and will confirm timings. This information will be in the public domain
o There will be regular dialogue from BAA with regards to up to date information for Facebook and Twitter feeds.
Passengers with bio-metric passports with a chip, can use e-passport gates which could speed up their waiting time. It should be noted however, that families with children under the age of 18 can’t use e-passport gates.
E-passport gates are in operation at the following UK airports:
• Birmingham International
• Bristol
• Cardiff
• East Midlands
• Gatwick north terminal
• Gatwick south terminal
• Heathrow terminals 1, 3, 4 and 5
• Luton
• Manchester terminals 1 and 2
• Stanstead
For further details please see:
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/customs-travel/Enteringtheuk/e-passport-gates/