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Impact of PCS Border Force industrial action between 17-20 February 2023 at South East ports

The Public and Commercial Services (PCS union has announced industrial action that will impact Border Force operations between Friday 17th February and Monday 20th February (until 7am).

Border Force officers based in Dover, Calais, Dunkirk and Coquelles, who are members of the PCS, will be taking part in the action. This does not include HMRC staff.

The industrial action will impact the movement of goods travelling to the UK through UK Border controls in the French ports of Calais and Dunkirk, and the Coquelles Eurotunnel Terminal.

What can you do

If you were planning to move goods during this period, you should be aware there could be disruption and delays at South East ports and Inland Border Facilities (IBF’s). Please take this into consideration when planning movements. 

We’re exhibiting at the Berlin Expo

UKP Worldwide (UKPW) are exhibiting at the Berlin Expo on Thursday 23rd February 2023.  Visit our booth at V3.7.

Our CEO, Lee Bucktrout, Sales Director, Guy Cliffe, Client Services Manager, Marie Pay, and Marketing Manager, Kelly Hudson will be at the show to welcome you and talk about everything customs clearance.

  • Import and Export to and from the EU
  • Bulk import specialists (BIRDS)
  • Customs clearance of high and low-value goods
  • Duty reclaim on returned goods
  • Final mile delivery solutions

 

 

 

Turkey

Turkey has declared a three-month state of emergency owing to the recent earthquake that has killed thousands. 

Services for international mail will be severely interrupted and delays are to be expected.

United Kingdom

HMRC has written to advise of industrial action taking place on Wednesday 1st February 2023 at UK ports and airports.

  • You may have seen reports that up to 100,000 civil service members of the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union will be going on strike on 1st February 2023. HMRC members will not be taking part but the industrial action will include UK-based Home Office members, including Border Force staff.
  • The industrial action is likely to impact the movement of goods through UK ports and airports on 1st February, as well as those traveling to the UK from UK Border control to Calais, Dunkirk and Coquelles in Northern France. There may also be some disruption on the morning of 2nd February as business returns to normal. 

HMRC advise if your shipments can be delayed outside of this period, then they advise you to do so. If you cannot delay movements please be aware that the industrial action could lead to disruption and delays at ports and inland Border Facilities. You should be prepared for delays and undertake necessary checks before starting any movement. 

France

Unfortunately, due to 24-hour industrial strike action taking place in Calais, France, we are expecting delays in the transportation of goods. Goods traveling via the tunnel are also going to be affected by delays.