This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-65140186

The article has changed 10 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Demand rises for passports as workers begin strike Demand rises for passports as workers begin strike
(about 7 hours later)
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.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.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.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.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 across England, Scotland and Wales from Monday, while employees working in Belfast will strike from 7 April to 5 May.Workers will walk out across across England, Scotland and Wales from Monday, while employees working in Belfast will strike from 7 April to 5 May.
The PCS union has warned of delays to applications and the delivery of passports in the run-up to summer.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".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."There are currently no plans to change our guidance which states that it takes up to 10 weeks to get a passport," it said.
When are passport office strikes and how to renew your UK passport?When are passport office strikes and how to renew your UK passport?
The Home Office said it was "disappointed" by the strike action, and added it was "working to manage" the disruption, and continue the service through "comprehensive contingency plans".The Home Office said it was "disappointed" by the strike action, and added it was "working to manage" the disruption, and continue the service through "comprehensive contingency plans".
More than 4,000 people are employed by the Passport Office across the UK, which means that according to union figures around one in four workers will take action.More than 4,000 people are employed by the Passport Office across the UK, which means that according to union figures around one in four workers will take action.
The union has said the walkouts are being targeted to cause mass disruption and involve members working in departments which examine passports - more than 1,300 people.The union has said the walkouts are being targeted to cause mass disruption and involve members working in departments which examine passports - more than 1,300 people.
The offices affected in England, Scotland and Wales include Durham, Glasgow, Liverpool, London, Newport, Peterborough and Southport.The offices affected in England, Scotland and Wales include Durham, Glasgow, Liverpool, London, Newport, Peterborough and Southport.
At peak times - including the month of April when the strike will take place - the Passport Office can receive 250,000 applications per week, travel expert Simon Calder has previously said.At peak times - including the month of April when the strike will take place - the Passport Office can receive 250,000 applications per week, travel expert Simon Calder has previously said.
He added that means more than one million applications could be sent during the strike period.He added that means more than one million applications could be sent during the strike period.
Current waiting times for first adult passports are just over 18 days while renewals are just over 14 days, according to Passportwaitingtime.com, an independent crowd sourcing website which relies on people inputting their own application wait times.Current waiting times for first adult passports are just over 18 days while renewals are just over 14 days, according to Passportwaitingtime.com, an independent crowd sourcing website which relies on people inputting their own application wait times.
But there are fears the strikes could lead to passports not being processed in time for some people's holidays.But there are fears the strikes could lead to passports not being processed in time for some people's holidays.
A UK adult passport is valid for 10 years, but if it is due to expire you may be refused entry into some countries. Guidance for each country can be found on the government's foreign travel advice website.A UK adult passport is valid for 10 years, but if it is due to expire you may be refused entry into some countries. Guidance for each country can be found on the government's foreign travel advice website.
In December last year, the National Audit Office (NAO) watchdog found hundreds of thousands of people were affected by passport processing delays.In December last year, the National Audit Office (NAO) watchdog found hundreds of thousands of people were affected by passport processing delays.
It said some 360,000 customers waited more than 10 weeks to receive their passports in the first nine months of 2022 and warned that up to 10 million applications could potentially be submitted this year.It said some 360,000 customers waited more than 10 weeks to receive their passports in the first nine months of 2022 and warned that up to 10 million applications could potentially be submitted this year.
'No meaningful talks''No meaningful talks'
PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka has previously said the strike action was over the government refusing to increase a proposed 2% pay rise and added ministers had "failed to hold any meaningful talks".PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka has previously said the strike action was over the government refusing to increase a proposed 2% pay rise and added ministers had "failed to hold any meaningful talks".
Inflation, which is the rate at which consumer prices rise, was 10.4% in the year to February.A strike fund worth millions, funded by a levy from PCS members, has been built up to pay staff in full during the course of the five-week walkout, the union has said.Inflation, which is the rate at which consumer prices rise, was 10.4% in the year to February.A strike fund worth millions, funded by a levy from PCS members, has been built up to pay staff in full during the course of the five-week walkout, the union has said.
The government has urged the union to "recognise what is reasonable and affordable, as the whole country faces these cost of living challenges".The government has urged the union to "recognise what is reasonable and affordable, as the whole country faces these cost of living challenges".
Are you waiting for a new passport? Are you a passport office worker striking? Share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also get in touch in the following ways:
WhatsApp: +44 7756 165803
Tweet: @BBC_HaveYourSay
Upload pictures or video
Please read our terms & conditions and privacy policy
If you are reading this page and can't see the form you will need to visit the mobile version of the BBC website to submit your question or comment or you can email us at HaveYourSay@bbc.co.uk. Please include your name, age and location with any submission.
Related TopicsRelated Topics
TravelTravel
UK governmentUK government
Passport OfficePassport Office
PassportsPassports
Strike actionStrike action