[arista]

[Demand rises for passports as workers begin strike

There has been a "temporary increase" in demand
for new passports ahead of more than
1,000 Passport Office workers
starting five weeks of strike action.
The Home Office confirmed a rise
in applications but said the amount
was "close" to levels estimated.
It said there were currently no plans
to change its 10-week guidance
for passports to be processed and sent out.

Members of the Public and
Commercial Services union are striking
until 5 May in a row over jobs,
pay and conditions.
Workers will walk out across England,
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
from Monday.

The PCS union has warned of delays
to applications and the delivery
of passports in the run-up to summer.

But the Home Office told the
BBC while there had been an increase
in demand, "the number of passport
applications remains close to
forecasted volumes".
"There are currently no plans to change
our guidance which states that it takes
up to 10 weeks to get a passport," it said.
To mitigate the impact on services,
the Home Office is deploying staff
who have previously worked in
Passport Offices during busy times of year.
It is understood people who require a
passport on compassionate grounds
for urgent travel will still be able
to get one. However, there will be
a reduction in the amount of
appointments available for other
urgent services.
Cost of living: Tackling it together]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-65140186


More than 10 weeks wait, now