The agency's Chief Executive, Lin Homer, has confirmed that contingency plans are in place to minimise potential disruption, and that UK border security will not be compromised by the industrial action.

Lin Homer said:

'We are disappointed that PCS members have voted in favour of industrial action. It means that the travelling public are likely to suffer disruption and delays at border control as a result of this two-day action.

'We have robust plans in place to ensure that the essential work of the UK Border Agency is maintained and the border remains secure. UK border security will not be compromised by this industrial action.

'We expect that people travelling into the country may experience some delays at border control, but we will work hard to keep these to a minimum and hope that passengers will welcome the commitment of those staff who will be working despite the strike action to ensure they are seen as quickly as possible.

'I am sure the public will find it difficult to understand the PCS continuing to protest on their own against a package which brings the Civil Service into line with the rest of the public sector and still offers more generous terms than much of the private sector.'

We also expect localised service disruption on Monday and Tuesday at some of our contact centres, public enquiry offices and immigration reporting centres. For instance:

• the immigration enquiry bureau will be offering a restricted service (but you will still be able to book appointments at public enquiry offices using our online booking service);
• the nationality contact centre and asylum support contact centre will be closed; and
• there may be delays in processing claims at Croydon public enquiry office.

Quarterly statistics covering immigration and asylum were published by the Home Office today.

These statistics include asylum applications, total removals for those illegally in the UK and migration from Eastern Europe for the period October to December of 2009.

Figures show that applications for asylum have dropped in the fourth quarter of 2009 to 4,765 - a 30 percent reduction compared to the same quarter in 2008 and the lowest level since quarter two 1992.

Decisions on asylum cases have also risen 36 per cent compared to the same quarter in 2008 with the grant rate for asylum falling to 13 per cent.

Applications from Eastern Europeans to work in the UK under the worker registration scheme fell to 28,495 in Q4 2009, compared to 30,600 in Q4 2008 and 52,765 in Q4 2007.

The total number of removals and voluntary departures from the UK has decreased slightly from 67,980 in 2008 to 64,750 in 2009 - reflecting the fall in asylum intake.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) published earlier today also show that immigration from the A8 accession countries has fallen and that long term immigration to the UK remains stable at 518,000 in the year to June 2009 compared to 531,000 in the year to June 2008.

Border and Immigration Minister Phil Woolas said:

'Asylum applications for the last three months of 2009 were the lowest since the early 1990's. Net migration is down, and the new UK Border Agency is increasingly successful.

'Our border has never been stronger, as shown by the fall in the number of asylum applications.

'Our new flexible points based system also gives us greater control over those coming to work or study from outside Europe, ensuring that only those that Britain need can come.