Over 300 members of the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) Union at Heathrow Airport, representing Border Force officers across terminals 2, 3, 4, and 5, are set to strike for four days from April 29th to May 2nd, just before the May bank holiday weekend. This follows a previously cancelled strike during the Easter holidays aimed at allowing further negotiations with the Home Office.

The strikes are prompted by disagreements over new rosters that could lead to approximately 250 staff members being reassigned from their passport control duties. The union has highlighted concerns that these changes could disproportionately affect disabled workers or those with caring responsibilities.

Fran Heathcote, PCS general secretary, criticised the roster changes, urging the Home Office to retain its experienced personnel. In response, the Home Office expressed disappointment over the planned strike but noted that “The new rosters will align to Heathrow's working patterns with other ports and improve service quality.”

The Home Office also assured that “Keeping our borders secure remains our top priority and we have robust plans in place to minimise any potential disruption.”