Passport workers are going on strike before the summer holidays (Picture: Matt Cardy/Getty Images)
Passport Office workers are planning to strike for five weeks right before the peak summer holiday months.
Over 1000 members of the Public and Commercial Services union (PCS) will walk out as they demand fairer pay and working conditions during the cost of living crisis.
Of course, they are far from the only industry taking part in strikes – since last year, everyone from rail workers to teachers and even nurses in a historic first-ever strike have staged action.
But what does this mean for summer holiday plans – if you need a new passport, when should you apply?
Should I apply for a passport now?
The first thing to consider is if you actually need a new passport, or if you’re just panicking.
So, first, check your expiration date.
Generally, rules state that your passport should be valid for at least 30 days from the date you plan to travel, but it’s recommended that you have at least six months on your passport before it expires.
Hoping to go on holiday this summer? Check your passport and renew early! (Picture: Getty)
How much time you need on your passport depends on the country you’re visiting so it’s best to check first.
If your passport still has enough room to be valid for summer holidays, it might be best to apply after you’ve returned from any prebooked trips.
This is because, as per advice on Gov.uk, you should allow up to 10 weeks from when we receive your old passport, any supporting documents, or confirmation of your identity details if needed until you get your new passport.
With the strikes likely affecting turnover times, you could be looking at waiting times beyond 10 weeks.
The downside, of course, is that this means you might not be able to plan any last-minute getaways while you wait for the new one to come.
The PCS Union will walk out for over a month in April (Picture: Mark Kerrison/In Pictures via Getty Images)
Is enough being done to support people through the cost of living crisis? Have your say now
In that case you could always opt for a staycation – we’ve got some top spas and photogenic spots on home soil, after all.
If you need a passport to travel urgently for medical treatment, because a friend or family member is seriously ill or has died, or for urgent government business, call the Passport Adviceline.
When does the passport office go on strike?
More than 1000 members of the PCS union working in passport offices in England, Scotland and Wales will take part in the action from April 3 to May 5.
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Workers in Durham, Glasgow, Liverpool, London, Newport, Peterborough and Southport will strike from April 3 to May 5, while those in Belfast will do so from April 7 to May 5.
The PCS general secretary, Mark Serwotka, said: ‘This escalation of our action has come about because, in sharp contrast with other parts of the public sector, ministers have failed to hold any meaningful talks with us, despite two massive strikes and sustained, targeted action lasting six months.’
‘They seem to think if they ignore our members, they’ll go away. But how can our members ignore the cost of living crisis when 40,000 civil servants are using food banks and 45,000 of them are claiming the benefits they administer themselves?’
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Summer holiday season is approaching.