What it’s like working at Border Force
23 employees told us the worst thing about this employer…
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Head office doesn’t understand the frontline
Do people think Border Force head office understands what's happening where they work?
People think head office doesn’t understand what’s happening where they work
How we know this
85% of people think that this employer’s head office or owners don’t have a good understanding of what’s really happening where they workBased on information from 20 job reviews
Why this matters
At a good job, the role of head office should be to support the people on the frontline serving customers.
To do that properly, the company’s owners or head office need to have a good understanding of what’s really happening on the frontline. This is especially important when a company owns multiple locations.
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Hard to choose shifts
Do Border Force workers get to choose the shifts they work?
People don’t get enough choice over which shifts they work
How we know this
84% report that their manager doesn’t give them enough choice over which shifts they workBased on information from 19 job reviews
Why this matters
A good job is flexible around your personal life. This means you get a say in when you prefer to work.
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No career progression
Are people given support to progress at Border Force?
People aren’t given support to progress here
How we know this
In the last year, 83% of people report not being given an opportunity to get better at their job, learn a new skill, learn to manage a team or get more responsibility in their roleBased on information from 18 job reviews
Why this matters
A good job should help you progress at work, if you want to. That might be supporting you to get better at the job you currently have, learn something new, manage a team or take on more responsibilities.
This means you’ll be able to build on your skills and experience, and earn more money.
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Not easy to change shifts
How easy is it for Border Force workers to change shifts?
Most people find it hard to change shifts
How we know this
68% of people report that it’s hard to change shifts if they need toBased on information from 19 job reviews
Why this matters
A good job is flexible around your personal life. It should be easy to change a shift if you need to, whether that’s in an emergency or for planning ahead.
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People don’t enjoy their job
Do people at Border Force enjoy their jobs?
Most people don’t enjoy their job
How we know this
57% of people report they don’t enjoy their jobBased on information from 7 job reviews
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People feel stressed
Is it stressful to work at Border Force?
Most people feel stressed here
How we know this
55% of people say they often feel stressed at workBased on information from 22 job reviews
Why this matters
Work isn’t always easy, but if you’re frequently feel stressed, that’s not good.
Your employer should support you with enough people and resources to get your job done without feeling overwhelmed.
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Not good for parents
Is working at Border Force good if you have caring responsibilities?
Most people say this is a bad place to work if you care for a child or other relative
How we know this
60% of people who care for a child or other relative report this isn’t a good place to workBased on information from 5 job reviews
Why this matters
Whether it’s looking after children or caring for a relative, a good job should support your responsibilities outside of work.
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Uninformed about head office
Do workers feel well informed about how Border Force is doing?
Only some people feel well informed about how the company is doing
How we know this
53% of people feel that they aren’t kept well informed about how the company is doing as a wholeBased on information from 19 job reviews
Why this matters
At a good job, there should be a supportive relationship between the people working on the frontline serving customers and the people who own the company or work in head office.
You should be kept informed about how the company is doing as a whole, both in good times and when things get tough for the business.
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Easy to book holiday
How easy is it to book a holiday at Border Force?
Most people find it easy to book holidays
How we know this
55% of people report it’s easy to book holidaysBased on information from 22 job reviews
Why this matters
A good job should let you take time off when you need it, and it shouldn’t be a nightmare to arrange.
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Enough training
Do people get enough training when they start at Border Force?
Most people get enough training when they start
How we know this
67% of people report they got enough training when they started working hereBased on information from 21 job reviews
Why this matters
A good job should give you good training when you start, not just drop you in at the deep end.
This means that you’ll be happier and more productive from day one and shows that your employer values you.
It’s also very important if your job involves anything that could be dangerous. Good training from the outset keeps you and your team safe.
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No short notice shift changes
Do Border Force managers change shifts at short notice?
Most managers don’t change people’s shifts at short notice
How we know this
68% of people say their manager doesn’t changes their shifts at the last minuteBased on information from 22 job reviews
Why this matters
If your manager is often changing your shifts at short notice that’s a sign of poor planning. At a good job you won’t be messed around at the last minute.
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Breaks are paid
Do workers at Border Force get paid breaks?
Usually. Most people get paid breaks
How we know this
59% of people say they get paid breaksBased on information from 22 job reviews
Why this matters
A good job should have paid breaks.
You should be paid for all your time at work, whether you’re on a break or not.
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People get proper breaks
Do people at Border Force get proper breaks?
Most people get proper breaks
How we know this
50% of people report that they get to take proper breaksBased on information from 20 job reviews
Why this matters
When you take a break it should be a proper rest. It should last the full duration and you shouldn’t get pulled off it.
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People recommend their team
Do people at Border Force recommend working with their team?
Most people recommend working with their team
How we know this
61% of people report that they would recommend working with their immediate team to a friendBased on information from 23 job reviews
Why this matters
A good job means enjoying the place where you work.
The people you work with every day really matter. They can be the difference between a terrible day and a great one.
If you’d recommend your team to a friend, this shows that something’s going right.
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4+ weeks notice of shifts
How much notice do people get of their shift pattern at Border Force?
Most people get 4 weeks notice of when they’re working
How we know this
- 14% report getting one week notice or less
- 5% report getting two weeks notice
- 9% report getting three weeks notice
- 45% report getting four weeks notice or more
- 27% report having a fixed rota
Based on information from 22 job reviews
Why this matters
At a good job, you get plenty of notice about when you’re working.
This makes it easy for you to plan the rest of life, as well as your finances, because you know how much you’ll be working and when.
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Managers are respectful
Do people at Border Force feel treated by respect by their managers?
Most people feel treated with respect by their managers
How we know this
57% of people say they’re treated with respect by their managersBased on information from 21 job reviews
Why this matters
Everyone should get treated with respect by their managers. You shouldn’t feel discriminated against or bullied, and if you have a problem you should be able to speak to someone about it.
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No unpaid extra work
Do workers at Border Force do extra work that they don't get paid for?
Rarely. Most people don’t do unpaid extra work
How we know this
71% of people report that they don’t do extra unpaid workBased on information from 21 job reviews
Why this matters
Everyone should get paid for any extra work they do, even if it is outside your contracted hours. At a good job, you should be paid for all the time you spend at work.
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Easy to take sick leave
How easy is it to take sick leave at Border Force?
People find it easy to take sick leave
How we know this
89% of people report that it’s easy to take time off if they are sickBased on information from 18 job reviews
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People are paid enough to live on
Does Border Force pay enough to live on?
People are paid enough to live on
How we know this
95% of people say they are paid at or above the Real Living Wage for where they liveBased on information from 21 job reviews
Why this matters
Everyone should be paid enough to live on.
The Real Living Wage is a voluntary rate employers can sign up to that is based on the real cost of living.
The Real Living Wage is currently £9.50 per hour, and £10.85 per hour in London.
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People get sick pay
Does Border Force pay sick pay?
Yes. People get proper sick pay
How we know this
91% of people say they would get paid if they were sick but scheduled to workBased on information from 23 job reviews
Why this matters
Everyone gets sick sometimes. You should be able to take time off without worrying.
At a good job you should still get paid if you’re scheduled to work but can’t due to sickness. Your contract should say how many sick days you can take each year.
This is more than the legal minimum, which says you should only get paid if you are unwell for 4 full days. See Citizens Advice for more details.
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Join BreakroomHow Border Force ranks
Border Force ranks joint 127th to work for in public sector
- 127= Border Force
- 127= Cornwall Council
- 127= Inverclyde Council
Border Force job reviews
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Best thing
Working outside and good colleagues
Worst thing
Poor Management
Nepotistic environment
Face fits situation
Pay frozen for the past 12 yearsBorder force officer, January 2021
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Best thing
I have a nice view.
Worst thing
Pay, shifts and ability to do the job well.
Employee, June 2021
About
Border Force is responsible for frontline border control operations at air, sea and rail ports in the UK.
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Handy to know
How much notice do people get of their shifts?
Based on 22 employees
How are people paid?
Based on 23 employees
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