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.