Holidaymakers seeking to renew a passport for summer have been issued new guidance after a five-week strike kicked off today.
Passport office workers in Scotland, England and Wales will walk out until May 6, 2023 - meaning those hoping to get a passport in time for a summer could be affected.
More than 1,000 members of the Public Commercial Services (PCS) union in Glasgow, Liverpool, London, Newport, Peterborough and Southport walked out on Monday, April 1. Strike action is due to an "escalation" over disputes for civil service workers concerning pay, conditions and redundancy terms.
In response, the Home Office issued an online statement on Friday to reassure applicants that they are not extending their 10-week time frame - which should be allotted after submitting all documents.
However, those looking to travel this summer are being urged not to make plans until they receive their new passport.
A statement on the Home Office site said: "We advise all customers not to book travel without a passport that meets their travel needs."
The website also states: "Processing time guidance is provided to help ensure that people allow sufficient time to get their passport. There are no plans to change this guidance in response to the industrial action."
"If you do not need a passport for travel within 10 weeks, we strongly advise to continue using the standard service."
Among demands, union bosses are fighting for a 10 per cent pay rise to equal a living wage of at least £15 an hour. They previously rejected ministers' previous offer of a two per cent pay rise.
A union representative has revealed that Scottish passport office workers have been forced to "rely on foodbanks". PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka has written to the Government calling for an urgent talks to come to an agreement.
Here is some advice to follow if you are applying or have already applied for a new passport.
Strike locations
The proposed strike action will impact staff at the following locations
- HMPO Glasgow, 3 Northgate, Glasgow
- HMPO Belfast, Law Society House, Belfast
- HMPO Durham, Freemans Reach, Durham
- HMPO Liverpool, 101 Old Hall Street, Liverpool
- HMPO London, Warehouse K, 2 Western Gateway, London
- HMPO Newport, Nexus House, Newport
- HMPO Peterborough, Quay House, Peterborough
- Smedley Hydro, Southport
Advice for people who need to apply for a new passport
According to the Home Office, applying for a new passport online is both the easiest and cheapest method.
This process costs £82.50 for adults and can be completed by filling out the online form here. The Government body has stressed that applicants should allow for 10 weeks wait to receive their new passport from the time all necessary documents are submitted.
They are also asking people not to make holiday plans "without a passport that meets their travel needs".
Advice for customers with appointments at strike locations
If you have an appointment at any of the offices were strikes are taking place, the Home Office said it's working to honour as many of them as possible.
However, in the event that an appointment can't be met, those affected will be contacted by the Home Office.
It advised: "If you do have an existing appointment scheduled during strike action and it needs to be re-arranged, you will be contacted by HM Passport Office.
"Please do not visit any passport office without a pre-arranged appointment."
If you need further advice
Anyone who needs further assistance can still contact the passport advice line on 0300 222 0000 which will remain open as usual:
- Monday to Friday - 8am to 8pm and Saturday
- Sunday/UK Bank Holidays - 9am to 5:30pm
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