+44 (0)1844 398 880 info@ukpworldwide.com

China

China Post has confirmed that all preventative measures taken to limit the spread of covid-19 have been lifted and that postal operations have returned to normal.

Portugal

Border service unions are striking from 5th April to 10th April over restructuring.  According to reports Foreign and Border Service (SINSEF) will go on strike. This is likely to cause delays at the country’s ports and airports of entry. 

New Zealand

NZ Post of New Zealand has confirmed that the local states of emergency in response to Cyclone Gabrielle have been lifted in Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti/Gisborne regions. 

Both regions are now in a ‘response and transition to recovery phase’. Road infrastructure is still affected in these regions therefore delivery delays are still to be expected. 

Italy

Poste Italiane has confirmed that Italian unions have announced a 24-hour strike on 17th March involving ground handlers and other airport personnel, concerning all Italian airports. 

Disruption is expected with regard to handling inbound and outbound mail at Milan’s Linate and Malpensa airports. 

Industrial Action – UK Ports, Airports and Inland Border Facilities

You may have seen reports that more than 100,000 civil service members of the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union will be going on strike on Wednesday 15th March 2023. Following a nationwide ballot in February, HMRC members of PCS agreed to industrial action and therefore some HMRC staff will be taking part. The action will also include UK-based Home Office members, including Border Force staff. 

The industrial action is likely to impact the movement of goods through UK ports, airports and Inland Border Facilities on 15th March, as well as those travelling to the UK from UK Border controls in Calais, Dunkirk and Coquelles in Northern France.  

Customers may experience delays when contacting the National Clearance Hub (NCH) and Customs & International Trade (CIT) Helpline. There may also be some disruption on the morning of 16 March as business returns to normal.  

What you can do  

If you are able to move goods outside of this period, then we would advise that you do so.  

If you cannot delay your movements then please be aware that the industrial action could lead to disruption and delays at ports and Inland Border Facilities (IBFs). You should be prepared for these delays before starting any movement.