Passport delay warning as workers
across the UK announce a five week strike

More than 1,000 Passport Office workers have announced strike action for five weeks over a dispute about pay and conditions.

Members of the Public and Commercial Services union (PCS) working across England, Scotland and Wales have agreed to strike from 3 April until 5 May.

The union has warned of delays to applications and the delivery of passports in the run-up to summer.

A spokesperson from the PSC has said they have been engaging in 'constructive talks’ to end the dispute adding: ‘We are working to manage the impact of strike action whilst ensuring we can continue to deliver vital services to the public, with comprehensive contingency plans in place.’

The offices affected in England, Scotland and Wales will include Durham, Glasgow, Liverpool, London, Newport, Peterborough and Southport.

At peak times Passport Offices can receive 250,000 applications per week, according to travel expert Simon Calder. Which means that more than one million applications could be sent during the strike period.

The Home Office says the strike does not affect its guidance which is still to allow up to ten weeks to get a passport, with preparations under way to meet demand.

We are hear to help

All countries require the passport you are travelling on to be valid for a minimum of 3-6 months after the day you plan to return. Exact country requirement can be found on the government’s foreign travel advice website here

Should you have any immediate concerns about your forthcoming travel arrangements please do not hesitate to contact the CT Business Travel Team 24/7 on 01892 616122