Long delays expected as temporary staff man borders during strike

Passengers arriving in the UK during Wednesday’s strike by public sector workers could face delays of up to 12 hours, Heathrow Airport officials have warned.

Up to 70 per cent of Heathrow Border Agency staff are expected to strike, with an inevitable impact on the agency’s 60,000 daily passport checks. Passengers may be held on planes while the backlog is dealt with. A number of airlines have cancelled flights to the UK on Wednesday.

Up to two million public sector workers are expected to take part in the strike, in protest at government plans to reform pensions. More than 90 per cent of schools are likely to be closed, as teachers join health workers, civil servants and local authority staff in the protest.

The head of the Civil Service, Sir Gus O’Donnell, has sought to recruit volunteers from other government departments to deputise for Border Agency officials on Wednesday. Fill-in staff have been offered a two-day training course as preparation. No final figures have been released on how many have volunteered.

Police and troops have also been placed on standby to support the temporary staff.

The Public and Commercial Services union have raised concerns about the ability of temporary staff to carry out duties – including checking documents and checking for forged passports – satisfactorily.

Passengers leaving the UK are unlikely to be seriously affected by the strike, according to official advice.