UK forwarders warned of disruption due to Border Force strikes

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Border Force officers working at a range of airports in the UK will launch eight days of industrial action over the Christmas period that could lead to shipment delays.

Members of the Public and Commercial Services Union at London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, Cardiff and Glasgow airports will begin their strike action on December 23-26 and December 28-31.

Members will also strike at the port of Newhaven on the same dates.

The strikes are part of wider action at government departments and public bodies over a 10% pay rise, pensions, job security and no cuts to redundancy terms.

UK forwarder association BIFA said that the industrial action could lead to disruption at ports, airports, and Inland Border Facilities (IBF).

“If you are able to move goods outside of this period, then we would advise that you do so and to check with your operator before travelling,” BIFA said.

“There is likely to be some impact on goods moving via airfreight – although each airport may be affected differently. Please speak to your operator to discuss the best way to move your goods around these dates.”

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Damian Brett

Damian Brett
I have been writing about the freight and logistics industry since 2007 when I joined International Freighting Weekly to cover the shipping sector. After a stint in PR, I have gone on to work for Containerisation International and Lloyds List - where I was editor of container shipping - before joining Air Cargo News in 2015. Contact me on [email protected]