Passport Office Staff have decided to start a five week strike. However major concern has been risen regarding how this may cause disruption to holidaymakers’ summer plans. Workers at the Passport Office have gone on strike in an argument with the government over positions, wages, and pensions. Here is all the information you require regarding the five week strike and what it entails for passport renewals. The strike is scheduled to last until May 5 and started on April 3.   

For those who may be attempting to renew their passports before their summer break, PCS General Secretary Mark Serwotka predicted ‘major delays’. According to Mark, there would be significant delays during the already allotted 10 weeks for passport applications, and there will be significant disruptions to the fast-track programme that people can utilise to obtain passports quicker than the usual allotted time. 

What happens if you require a passport right away because of a strike?

 There are often two options available at a higher price if you require a passport immediately and cannot wait 10 weeks. First option being, your new passport will be delivered via the one-week Fast Track application service within a week of your in-person appointment at a passport office. You must make the appointment online and pay for it. The second option is the Online Premium service where you can renew adult passports at the cost of £193.50. You can collect the new passport at the appointment.

By Faith