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UK Border Force patrol boat workers balloted over strike action

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on September 19, 2025

1 min read

· Last updated: January 21, 2026

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UK Border Force patrol boat workers balloted over strike action
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LONDON (Reuters) - Border Force workers on patrol in the English Channel, whose job includes searching for small boats carrying migrants, will be balloted over strike action, a union statement on

UK Border Force patrol boat workers balloted over strike action

Border Force Workers and Strike Action

LONDON (Reuters) - Border Force workers on patrol in the English Channel, whose job includes searching for small boats carrying migrants, will be balloted over strike action, a union statement on Friday said.

Details of the Strike Ballot

More than 120 Border Force Maritime workers will be balloted over whether to walk-out in a dispute over frozen allowances and terms and conditions, the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union said.

Impact on Immigration Issues

The ballot is open until October 17.

As part of government Border Force patrols, the workers' duties include searching for vessels at sea and identifying boats engaged in smuggling as well as small boats crossing with asylum seekers from France.

So far this year, 30,000 people have used small boats to cross the Channel to Britain, where immigration has become a major political issue.

(Reporting by Sarah Young, Editing by Paul Sandle)

Key Takeaways

  • Border Force workers in the English Channel are considering strike action.
  • The strike ballot involves over 120 maritime workers.
  • The dispute is over frozen allowances and work conditions.
  • The ballot closes on October 17.
  • Immigration remains a significant political issue in the UK.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Border Force workers voting on?
Border Force workers are being balloted over whether to take strike action due to disputes over frozen allowances and terms and conditions.
How many workers are involved in the ballot?
More than 120 Border Force Maritime workers will participate in the ballot regarding potential strike action.
When does the ballot close?
The ballot for the Border Force workers is open until October 17.
What are the duties of the Border Force workers?
Their duties include searching for vessels at sea, identifying boats engaged in smuggling, and monitoring small boats crossing with asylum seekers.
How many people have crossed the Channel this year?
So far this year, approximately 30,000 people have used small boats to cross the Channel to Britain.

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