Limited resources and lack of planning to blame for long queues at Heathrow
10th May 2012
A lack of effective planning and job cuts are to blame for the long queues at the UK's busiest airport, inspectors have announced today
The damaging report on the UK border agency (UKBA) and the Border Force was conducted by chief inspector of borders and immigration John Vine.
According to the findings, limited resources are not enough to keep up with the high number of passengers passing through the airport. Inspectors also claimed border staff have been signing off at the start of busy periods.
Recent queues and lengthy delays at the airport have seen some passengers from outside the EU having to wait up to three hours, raising concern as to how the airport will cope with the approaching Olympics.
The report, which was based upon 60 hours worth of data collected last August and November, also revealed cuts are having visible negative effects, with Terminal 3 losing 15% of staff.
At the time of the survey, the airport had just introduced a new system to organise staff working hours. Mr Vine commented on the new system: “I found that recent organisational changes such as the introduction of team-based working, a new shift working system and the amalgamation of immigration and customs roles had suffered from a lack of effective planning.
"Resources were not matched to demand, management oversight and assurance was lacking in many areas and staff were not always properly trained to undertake their duties.
"This was far too much organisational change during Heathrow's busiest time of the year.
"I remain concerned that this lack of planning has affected the agency's ability to maintain an effective and efficient border control.”
Immigration Minister Damien Green commented on he report by saying there were now more staff at peak times since last year's inspections.
Have you been caught in the queues? Let us know your stories...
More like this
Heathrow could increase landing fee levy | News... More
Heathrow slips to world's fourth busiest airport | News... More
Danger of Heathrow gridlock next week | News... More
The shambles at Heathrow | Blogs... More
Travellers to the UK are warned of delays due to strike action | News... More