Border Force and Interior Ministry personnel prepare to go on strike

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Officials from the Home Office, Border Force and two other departments will begin a month of industrial action from mid-December.

The PCS union said on Friday it had built up a "substantial strike fund" and was raising more money to cover the dispute.

Workers, including including those at the Department for Transport and Defra, will take action to prevent their salaries from falling in real terms.

With inflation at 11.1% - a 41-year high - staff are also demanding a raise of 10% pay as assurances on job security, pensions and redundancy terms.

Expected disruption to Border Force operations comes after Home Secretary Suella Braverman , launched a crackdown on people crossing the Channel in small boats.

Union leaders said a meeting with the Cabinet Office this week did nothing to allay their concerns.

Earlier this month, 86.2% of members voted for industrial action.

The secret PCS general silencer Mark Serwotka said officials were "angry" and it was "inconceivable" that they could take another pay cut in real terms.

"They have helped keep his country running during the pandemic, and in return, have been treated appallingly by this government,” he said.

“With inflation currently at 11.1%, it is inconceivable that they should face another pay cut in real terms."

Mr. Serwotka continued, "With tens of thousands of members earning starvation wages, it's no longer a matter of belt-tightening, but of choosing between keeping warm and eating - and that's just not acceptable to the community. government workforce.

"We have made it clear to the Cabinet Office that we are available for talks throughout this period. I hope they do the right thing and that they will come back to the table ready to respond to our demands.

"If not, we are ready to do what we need to do to show them the value of the work of our members once they retire from their jobs."

Earlier this week, the Guardian reported that the army will train soldiers to replace Border Force officers who decide to leave during the winter.

More than 500 soldiers are expected to undergo five days of training, starting Monday, November 21.