English Channel patrol boat workers vote to strike

The Home Office says it is determined to maintain an ongoing dialogue with the union

Staff who work on patrol boats in the English Channel have voted for strike action in a dispute over allowances.

The Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) said more than 100 of its Border Force Maritime members voted by 99% in favour of industrial action.

Fran Heathcote, PCS's general secretary, said: "Our members have been waiting far too long for this situation to be resolved, with many of them having missed out on money over the last five years."

The Home Office says it is "determined to maintain our ongoing dialogue with the union in order to reach an agreement that will benefit both the taxpaying public and those hardworking Border Force staff".

The union said it had written to the Home Office demanding improved payments.

Ms Heathcote added: "It's shameful that managers needed a strike ballot to focus their minds, but the result is a clear message that members aren't prepared to be messed around any longer."

The Home Office said the Border Force worked "with tireless commitment and dedication every single day to keep our borders safe and secure".

"We always have robust plans in place to minimise disruption and uphold UK border security, and those plans remain unchanged," a spokesperson said.