Passengers urged to check operators' advice as Border Force staff strike at Heathrow

Border Force officers at London’s Heathrow Airport have begun a four-day strike this morning.

Some 300 members of the Public and Commercial Services union (PCS) have walked out till Thursday in a dispute over working conditions.

The union said the workers are protesting at Home Office plans to introduce rosters, which they believe will force about 250 out of their jobs at passport control.

A Home Office spokesperson said: “We are disappointed with the union’s decision to strike but remain open to discussing a resolution with the PCS.

“The changes we are implementing will bring the working arrangements for Border Force Heathrow staff in line with the way staff work at all other major ports, provide them with more certainty on working patterns and improve the service to the travelling public.”

The union said it expected the strike will disrupt passport checks for arriving passengers at Heathrow.

The Home Office spokesperson added: “We have robust plans in place to minimise disruption where possible, but we urge passengers to check the latest advice from operators before they travel.”