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The current affairs series combining original insights into major news stories with topical investigations

The Report: UK Border Agency Strike

UK Border Agency Strike

26/07/2012

BBC Radio 4 - The Report, UK Border Agency Strike

What are the reasons behind the strike by border staff? Adrian Goldberg investigates.

As border guards prepare to go on strike, Adrian Goldberg asks what lies behind the action and looks at claims that security is being put at risk.

Border guards and other Home Office staff are due to strike today (July 26th) in protest at staff cuts, pay and privatisation.
The move has been condemned by the government who say the action by workers in the Border Force is designed to cause maximum disruption on the eve of the Olympics. Around 120,000 passengers are expected through Heathrow on Thursday alone.
The Report examines the reasons behind the strike. Unions say the drive to ensure no queues at Heathrow has come at a cost. They point out the UK Border Agency and Border Force has cut a thousand more jobs than planned and staff are being drafted in from other areas to ensure immigration desks are fully manned. But they complain these staff aren't fully trained and security is being jeopardised.
Adrian Goldberg also investigates concerns that UKBA is not doing enough to trace and deport many people who should not be in the country.

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