Border Force staff working at ports are to walk out for four days over the February half term.

The Public and Commercial Services Union says 1,000 staff at the UK port of Dover and French ports Calais, Coquelles and Dunkirk will strike from 17-20 February.

Most schools break for half term on 13 February.

PCS General Secretary Mark Serwotka said on Tuesday evening: “The strikes we have announced today in the Border Force will impact on people returning from their holidays during the half-term period.”

A Home Office spokesperson said: “We are extremely disappointed with the union’s decision to strike and the inconvenience this will cause to travellers and businesses.

“We continue to work closely with all affected ports to assess the impacts of this announcement. Whilst we have robust plans in place to minimise any delays, passengers should be prepared for disruption and take action to plan ahead.

“Those intending to travel or ship goods into the UK over strike days should keep up-to-date with the latest advice from operators to check how the strike action will affect them.”