The UK Home Office has confirmed that there has been a temporary increase in demand for new passports ahead of a five-week strike action by more than 1,000 Passport Office workers. However, the amount of applications is reportedly close to what was estimated. The strike action is due to begin on Monday and will last until 5 May, with employees in Belfast striking from 7 April to 5 May.
The Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union has warned of delays to applications and the delivery of passports in the run-up to summer. The Home Office has stated that while there has been an increase in demand, the number of passport applications remains close to forecasted volumes. The Home Office has also said that there are currently no plans to change the 10-week guidance for passports to be processed and sent out.
The Home Office has expressed disappointment at the strike action and is working to manage the disruption through comprehensive contingency plans. More than 4,000 people are employed by the Passport Office across the UK, with around one in four workers taking part in the strike action. The offices affected in England, Scotland and Wales include Durham, Glasgow, Liverpool, London, Newport, Peterborough and Southport.
At peak times, the Passport Office can receive 250,000 applications per week, with more than one million applications potentially being sent during the strike period. Currently, waiting times for first adult passports are just over 18 days while renewals are just over 14 days. However, there are fears that the strikes could lead to passports not being processed in time for some people’s holidays.
The PCS union has stated that the walkouts are being targeted to cause mass disruption and involve members working in departments which examine passports. The union has said that the government is refusing to increase a proposed 2% pay rise and has failed to hold any meaningful talks. The government has urged the union to “recognise what is reasonable and affordable, as the whole country faces these cost of living challenges”.
If you are waiting for a new passport or are a passport office worker striking, you can share your experiences by emailing HaveYourSay@bbc.co.uk. Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also get in touch via WhatsApp on +44 7756 165803 or tweet @BBC_HaveYourSay.