We are currently recruiting for Border Force Officers to join our teams across the UK. The Alternative Shift Working roles available are not full-time and cover a variety working patterns, outlined below.

Whilst these roles are not full-time positions, they are permanent contracts, and you will be a substantive Civil Servant and entitled to the same benefits as a full-time member of staff.

Our Alternative Shift Working roles are being offered in order to meet specific business needs and you should not expect to be made full-time once in post. If you are seeking a full-time position, these roles are not suitable for you, but you may be more interested in our full-time Border Force Assistant Officer/Officer – International Trade roles.

Audio Description

Border Force Officers protect UK citizens from all prohibited, counterfeit and illegal goods passing through the Border. There are many exciting and varied roles that range from passenger interaction to the examination of goods entering the country through the aviation, maritime and postal modes.

As a Border Force Officer, you may be involved in activities ranging from:

• Operating immigration and customs controls at points of entry to the UK, ensuring passengers have the correct permissions and documentation to enter.
• Identifying vulnerable adults and children, prioritising their safety and welfare and referring to the appropriate agencies.
• Interviewing passengers, undertaking investigations, and making decisions on whether they qualify for entry to the UK or fall to be refused under the immigration rules.
• Identifying and searching people, goods, and vehicles to establish if a customs offence has been committed.
• Using law enforcement powers to arrest people involved in border offences, preserving evidence, managing the detention of individuals, and liaising with other law enforcement partners.
• If involved in International Trade, you will be responsible for the movement and clearance of imported and exported goods across a range of International Trade/Customs regimes and undertake post-detection action in respect of any irregularities identified.

As a Landside Officer in the Small Boats Operational Command (SBOC), your main responsibility will be the initial engagement with people arriving in small boats. This is a crucial element of our border security and the ‘Saving of Lives at Sea’ operation.

Your role will involve:

• Identifying vulnerable adults and children, prioritising their safety and welfare, seeking medical attention where needed and referring to appropriate agencies.
• Operating immigration and customs controls to check passenger permissions and documentation (Small Boats Operating Command site specific).
• Interviewing people arriving on small boats and undertaking investigations.
• Conducting casework and dealing with associated queries, ensuring arrangements are made to issue documentation following a decision to detain, refuse entry or remove an individual.
• Undertaking high visibility detection patrols, engagement and visibility visits to other maritime and high-risk locations.
• Arresting offenders, preserving evidence, managing detention and liaising with other stakeholders and law enforcement partners.
• Undertaking physical searches of freight and offenders.
• Contributing to the collection of information to inform the development of intelligence products.

The primary workplace for SBOC roles is Ramsgate (Manston), although you could be based in other Kent locations. Official vehicles will be available to enable travel if required. When not required for small boat operations, the teams are likely to be deployed on priority work at other ports.

Working Hours

Successful candidates will need to be able to attend for all shifts including early starts (from 0500 hours), late night finishes, and overnight shifts. These shifts may be outside of public transport operating hours.

Driving Licence

Due to the nature of the role and/or geographical area, it is essential for applicants to hold a full valid UK manual/automatic driving licence for the following locations;

Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Exeter, Gatwick, Glasgow, Harwich, Hull, Inverness, Leeds/Bradford, Liverpool, Luton, Manston, Newcastle, Newhaven, Plymouth, Poole, Port of Tyne, Portsmouth, Southend, Stansted

You will be required to provide evidence of your driving licence during the recruitment process.

It is desirable for applicants to hold a full valid UK manual/automatic driving licence for the following locations;

Folkestone, Heathrow, Manchester

For locations where it is desirable for an applicant to hold a full UK driving licence, and due to the 24/7/365 operational nature of these roles, you will need to ensure that you are able to commute to and from your home station when there may be no public transport available.

Pay and Allowances

Those new to the Civil Service will have a starting salary of £28,000 for these roles (£29,000 for Gatwick, £32,000 for London). These salaries are pro-rata.

As a Border Force Officer, you will also be eligible for an Annual Hours Allowance (AHA) to compensate for working the shift patterns outlined in the Working Patterns section, above. Shifts can vary in length and can be up to 12 hours; shifts can be changed or extended according to business need.

The rate payable is dependent on location and role and is indicative of the shift pattern you will be required to work. The higher the AHA, the more flexible you will be required to be.

For full details on the pro-rata salaries and AHA rates that these roles attract please see the Working Patterns section.

Training and Development

You will receive full training and support to do the job. Training takes place initially in the ‘classroom’ and then continues ‘on the job’ with a mentor who supports you until you are fully confident in the role. Even then you are never alone: you work as part of a team where there is always someone around for advice and support.

Training for frontline Border Force Officers will include teaching skills in public and personal safety training, which includes control and restraint techniques to keep you, your colleagues and the public safe. This Public and Personal Safety Training (PPST) requires physical activity and physical contact with the other delegates. You will be required to complete a health declaration in advance and, if necessary, attend a medical examination. A formal job offer cannot be made if you do not have the level of physical fitness needed to undertake and pass the training. This training is refreshed annually.

Officers undergo full-time initial training, which lasts approximately five to eight five weeks, depending on the role you have applied for.

You will be allocated to a training hub in Bedfont Lakes, Croydon, Folkestone, Liverpool or Manchester or local to your home port depending on the size of the location and number of new entrants. If you do not live within a reasonable commutable distance to one of our training locations, there may be a requirement for some overnight stays. Travel and accommodation costs will be paid by Border Force.

Training takes place Monday to Friday and does not require shift working. No Annualised Hours Allowance (AHA) is payable during the initial training. For internal candidates already in receipt of AHA, payment of the allowance will continue during the period of initial training.

Training may take place outside of your contracted working hours, however additional payments will be made to cover your training period.

Working Patterns

The roles listed below provide an overview of the patterns available, the Annualised Hours Allowance (AHA) payable and the total expected salary, based on the pro-rata salary of a full-time Border Force Officer.

A majority of the shifts you will be expected to work will match the patterns laid out below. However, please be aware that, due to the flexible and operational nature of our roles, there may be occasions when you are required to attend the workplace outside the pattern schedule to assist with business needs, maintain your skillset, and/or undertake mandatory training. You will work with your line manager and resourcing teams to plan all shifts in advance.

As a Border Force Officer, you will also be eligible for an Annual Hours Allowance (AHA) to compensate for working the shift patterns outlined in the Working Patterns section, above. Shifts will include weekends, public holidays, can vary in length and can be up to 12 hours; shifts can be changed or extended according to business needs.

Please also note that AHA rates are regularly reviewed and subject to change and can increase/decrease, dependent on business needs.

1. Belfast

Border Force Officer - Full Time, Part Year

You will work 900 hours per year, over 21 weeks, during seasonal peaks.

Shifts are 10 hours long and you will be required to work approximately four to five shifts per week across seven days on a rotating roster pattern. You will work the full range of shifts, across seven days per week, the hours for which are:

• Early shift: 07.00 – 17.00
• Late shift: 14.00 – 00.00
• Night shift: 22.00 – 08.00

This contract currently attracts an Annualised Hours Allowance (AHA) of 34.63%, which equates to approximately to £4,519 of the pro-rata salary for this role, which is approximately £13,050. The total expected salary for this role, including AHA, is approximately £17,570.

2. Birmingham

Border Force Officer - Part Time, Full Year (Winter Focus)

You will work 502 hours per year, over 52 weeks. The majority of hours will be worked during the winter months (approximately November – March).

Shifts will be 8 hours long and you will be required to work 12 shifts every 8 weeks, on a rotating roster pattern. You will work mid and late shifts, the hours for which are:

• Mid shift: 10.00 – 18.00
• Late shift: 17.00 – 01.00

Whilst a majority of your shifts will be during the winter period you will also be required to work two shifts every six weeks, during the summer (approximately April to October), to maintain your skillset and for the purposes of keeping in touch.

This contract currently attracts an Annualised Hours Allowance (AHA) of 24.78%, which equates to approximately £1,804 of the pro-rata salary for this role, which is approximately £7,281. The total expected salary for this role, including AHA, is approximately £9,086.

3. Birmingham

Border Force Officer – Part time, Full year (Summer Focus)

You will work 830 hours per year, over 52 weeks. The majority of hours will be worked during the summer period (approximately April – October).

Shifts will be 6 to 8 hours long and you will be required to work approximately three to four shifts per week across seven days on a rotating roster pattern. You will work mid, late and night shifts, the hours for which are:

• Mid shift: 10.00 – 18.00
• Late shift: 17.00 – 01.00
• Night shift: 22.00 – 04.00

Whilst a majority of your shifts will be during the summer period you will also be required to work two shifts every six weeks, during the winter (approximately November to March), to maintain your skillset and for the purposes of keeping in touch.

This contract currently attracts an Annualised Hours Allowance (AHA) of 37.77%, which equates to approximately £4,546 of the pro-rata salary for this role, which is approximately £12,035. The total expected salary for this role, including AHA, is approximately £16,581.

4. Birmingham

Border Force Officer – Part time, Full year

You will work 1,096 hours per year, over 52 weeks.

During the Summer Period (approximately April to October), shifts will be 6 to 8 hours long and you will be required to work between three to four shifts per week across seven days on a rotating roster pattern. You will work mid, late and night shifts, the hours of which are:

• Mid shift: 10.00 – 18.00
• Late shift: 15.00 – 23.00
• Night shift: 22.00 – 04.00

During the Winter period (approximately November to March), shifts will be 6 to 7 hours long and you will be required to work 14 shifts over every six week period. You will work mid and late shifts, the hours of which will be:

• Mid shift: 11.00 – 17.00
• Late shift: 17.00 – 23.00

This contract currently attracts an Annualised Hours Allowance (AHA) of 40.46%, which equates to approximately £6,431 of the pro-rata salary for this role, which is approximately £15,895. The total expected salary for this role, including AHA, is approximately £22,326.

5. Bristol

Border Force Officer – Part time, Full year

You will work a contracted total of 1,018 hours a year over 52 weeks.

Shifts will cover peak period and be 7 hours long. You will be required to work three shifts per week across seven days, on a rotating roster pattern. You will work late and night shifts, the hours for which are:

• Late shift: 15.00 – 22.00
• Night shift: 22.00 – 05.00

This contract currently attracts an Annualised Hours Allowance (AHA) of 43.95%, which equates to approximately £6,488 of the pro-rata salary for this role, which is approximately £14,761. The total expected salary for this role, including AHA, is approximately £21,249.

6. Edinburgh

Border Force Officer – Full time, Part year

You will work a contracted total of 1,147 hours per year over 31 weeks between April and October.

Shifts will be 9 hours and 40 minutes long (10 hours for night shifts) and you will be required to work four shifts per week across seven days, on a rotating roster pattern. You will work the full range of shifts, the hours for which are:

• Late shift: 15.00 – 22.00
• Night shift: 22.00 – 05.00

This contract currently attracts an Annualised Hours Allowance (AHA) of 36.83%, which equates to approximately £6,126 of the pro-rata salary for this role, which is approximately £16,632. The total expected salary for this role, including AHA, is approximately £22,757.

7. Edinburgh

Border Force Officer – Part time, Part year

You will work a contracted total of 930 hours per year over 31 weeks between April and October.

Shifts will be 9 hours and 40 minutes long (10 hours for night shifts) and you will be required to work three shifts per week across seven days, on a rotating roster pattern. You will work the full range of shifts, the hours for which are:

• Early shift: 06.30 – 16.30
• Mid shift: 11.00 – 21.00
• Late shift1: 15.00 – 01.00
• Late shift2: 13.30 – 23.30
• Night shift: 21.00 – 07.00

This contract currently attracts an Annualised Hours Allowance (AHA) of 36.83%, which equates to approximately £4,967 of the pro-rata salary for this role, which is approximately £13,485. The total expected salary for this role, including AHA, is approximately £18,452.

8. Exeter

Border Force Officer – Part time, Full year

You will work a contracted total of 1,018 hours per year over 52 weeks.

Shifts will cover peak periods and be 7 hours long. You will be required to work three shifts per week across seven days, on a rotating roster pattern. In the Summer period (1st April to 30th September) you will be required to work the full range of shifts, which are:

• Early shift: 07.00 - 14.00
• Mid shift: 11.00 – 18.00
• Late shift: 15.00 – 22.00
• Late+ shift: 19:00 – 02.00
• Night shift: 22.00 – 05.00

This contract currently attracts an Annualised Hours Allowance (AHA) of 39.48%, which equates to approximately £5,828 of the pro-rata salary for this role, which is approximately £14,761. The total expected salary for this role, including AHA, is approximately £20,589.

9. Folkestone

Border Force Officer – Full time, Part year (Restricted Period)

You will work a contracted total of 1,251 hours per year over 26 weeks.

Shifts will cover peak periods and be up to 12 hours long. You will be required to work full time hours and the full range of shifts.

You will be required to deploy to Calais/Coquelles to perform the role. Transportation from the Eurotunnel site in Cheriton will be provided and the travel time is included within your shift timings.

When deployed to Calais the shift timings will be as follows:

• Early shift: 05.45 – 17.45
• Late shift: 13.45 – 01.45
• Night shift: 21.15 – 09.15

When deployed to Coquelles the shift timings will be as follows:

• Early shift: 05.45 – 15.45
• Late shift: 12.45 – 23.45
• Night shift: 20.45 – 08.15

This contract currently attracts an Annualised Hours Allowance (AHA) of 47.45%, which equates to approximately £8,607 of the pro-rata salary for this role, which is approximately £18,140. The total expected salary for this role, including AHA, is approximately £26,747

10. Folkestone

Border Force Officer – Part time, Full year (Nights)

You will work a contracted total of 965 hours per year over 52 weeks.

Shifts will cover peak periods and be up to 12 hours long. You will be required to work one to two shifts per week, between Monday and Friday. This will mainly be night shifts, plus occasional early and late shifts.

You will be required to deploy to Calais/Coquelles to perform the role. Transportation from the Eurotunnel site in Cheriton will be provided and the travel time is included within your shift timings.

When deployed to Calais the shift timings will be as follows:

• Early shift: 05.45 – 17.45
• Late shift: 13.45 – 01.45
• Night shift: 21.15 – 09.15

When deployed to Coquelles the shift timings will be as follows:

• Early shift: 05.45 – 15.45
• Late shift: 12.45 – 23.45
• Night shift: 20.45 – 08.15

This contract currently attracts an Annualised Hours Allowance (AHA) of 27.50%, which equates to approximately £3,848 of the pro-rata salary for this role, which is approximately £13,993. The total expected salary for this role, including AHA, is approximately £17,841.

11. Folkestone

Border Force Officer – Part time, Full year (Weekends)

You will work a contracted total of 772 hours per year over 52 weeks.

Shifts will be up to 12 hours long and you will be required to work one to two shifts per week, over weekends. Shifts will cover earlies and lates, plus an element of night shift.

You will be required to deploy to Calais or Coquelles to perform the role. Transportation from the Eurotunnel site in Cheriton will be provided and the travel time is included within your shift timings.

When deployed to Calais the shift timings will be as follows:

• Early shift: 05.45 – 17.45
• Late shift: 13.45 – 01.45
• Night shift: 21.15 – 09.15

When deployed to Coquelles the shift timings will be as follows:

• Early shift: 05.45 – 15.45
• Late shift: 12.45 – 23.45
• Night shift: 20.45 – 08.15

This contract currently attracts an Annualised Hours Allowance (AHA) of 52.67%, which equates to approximately £5,896 of the pro-rata salary for this role, which is approximately £11,194. The total expected salary for this role, including AHA, is approximately £17,090.

12. Gatwick

Border Force Officer – Part time, Full year (Early & Late Shifts)

You will work a contracted total of 1,018 hours per year over 52 weeks.

Shifts will cover peak periods and be 7 hours long. You will be required to work three shifts per week across six days (excluding Wednesdays), on a rotating roster pattern. You will work early and late shifts, the hours for which are:

• Early shift: 06.00 – 13.00
• Late shift: 19.00 – 02.00

This contract currently attracts an Annualised Hours Allowance (AHA) of 52.51%, which equates to approximately £8,028 of the pro-rata salary for this role, which is approximately £15,289. The total expected salary for this role, including AHA, is approximately £23,316.

13. Gatwick

Border Force Officer – Part time, Full year (Early Shifts)

You will work a contracted total of 1,018 hours per year over 52 weeks.

Shifts will cover peak periods and be 7 hours long. You will be required to work three shifts per week across six days (excluding Wednesdays), on a rotating roster pattern. You will work only early shifts, the hours for which are 06.00 – 13.00.

This contract currently attracts an Annualised Hours Allowance (AHA) of 32.51%, which equates to approximately £4,970 of the pro-rata salary for this role, which is approximately £15,289. The total expected salary for this role, including AHA, is approximately £20,259.

14. Gatwick

Border Force Officer – Part time, Full year (Late Shifts)

You will work a contracted total of 1,018 hours per year over 52 weeks.

Shifts will cover peak periods and be 7 hours long. You will be required to work three shifts per week across six days (excluding Wednesdays), on a rotating roster pattern. You will work only late shifts, the hours for which are 19.00 – 02.00.

This contract currently attracts an Annualised Hours Allowance (AHA) of 46.02%, which equates to approximately £7,036 of the pro-rata salary for this role, which is approximately £15,289. The total expected salary for this role, including AHA, is approximately £22,324.

15. Glasgow

Border Force Officer – Full time, Part year

You will work a contracted total of 1,147 hours per year over 31 weeks between April and October.

Shifts will be 10 hours long and you will be required to work four shifts per week across seven days, on a rotating roster patter. You will work the full range of shifts, the hours for which are:

• Early shift: 06.30 - 16.30
• Mid shift: 10.00 – 20.00
• Late shift: 13.30 – 23.30
• Night shift: 21.00 – 07.00

This contract currently attracts an Annualised Hours Allowance (AHA) of 36.83%, which equates to approximately £6,126 of the pro-rata salary for this role, which is approximately £16,632. The total expected salary for this role, including AHA, is approximately £22,757.

16. Glasgow

Border Force Officer – Part time, Part year

You will work a contracted total of 930 hours per year over 31 weeks between April and October.

Shifts will be 10 hours long and you will be required to work three shifts per week across seven days, on a rotating roster pattern. You will work the full range of shifts, the hours for which are:

• Early shift: 06.30 - 16.30
• Mid shift: 10.00 – 20.00
• Late shift: 13.30 – 23.30
• Night shift: 21.00 – 07.00

This contract currently attracts an Annualised Hours Allowance (AHA) of 36.83%, which equates to approximately £4,967 of the pro-rata salary for this role, which is approximately £13,485. The total expected salary for this role, including AHA, is approximately £18,452.

17. Harwich

Border Force Officer – Part time, Full year

You will work a contracted total of 1,040 hours per year over 52 weeks.

Shifts will be 4-4.5 hours long and you will be required to work four shifts per week across seven days. You will work early shifts (06.00 to 10.30) and late shifts (18.30 to 22.30) and will include weekends. You will not be required to work Public Holidays.

This contract currently attracts an Annualised Hours Allowance (AHA) of 13.87%, which equates to approximately £2,092 of the pro-rata salary for this role, which is approximately £15,080. The total expected salary for this role, including AHA, is approximately £17,172.

18. Heathrow

Border Force Officer – Full time, Part year

You will work a contracted total of 1,039 hours per year over 28 weeks, covering the Summer, Easter, Christmas and half term weeks. The majority of hours will be condensed into 11 weeks over the summer period.

During the summer period (approximately July to end September), shifts will cover peak periods and be 9-10 hours long and you will be required to work on average 4 shifts per week across seven days, on a rotating roster pattern. You will work Early and Late shifts, the hours for which are:

• Early shift: 05.00 – 14.50/06.00 - 15.50
• Late shift: 13.30 – 23.20/14.10 - 00.00

During the non-summer period (approximately October to May) you will be required to work 4 weeks over Christmas (December to January) and Easter (March to April) and 3 weeks for each half term (February, May and October). Shifts will 9-10 hours long and you will be required to work on average 4 shifts per week during the weeks you are rostered to work. The exact shifts will be driven by business need.

This contract currently attracts an Annualised Hours Allowance (AHA) of 27.70%, which equates to approximately £4,769 of the pro-rata salary for this role, which is approximately £17,218. The total expected salary for this role, including AHA, is approximately £21,987.

19. Heathrow

Border Force Officer – Part time, Full year (Late Shifts)

You will work a contracted total of 1,092 hours per year over 52 weeks.

Shifts will be 5 hours long (Early shift: 06.00 – 11.00) and you will be required to work between four to five shifts per week across seven days, on a rotating roster pattern.

This contract currently attracts an Annualised Hours Allowance (AHA) of 23.80%, which equates to £4,307 of the pro-rata salary for this role, which is £18,096. The total expected salary for this role, including AHA, is £22,403.

20. Heathrow

Border Force Officer – Part time, Full year (Early Shifts)

You will work a contracted total of 1310 hours per year over 52 weeks.

Shifts will be 6 hours long (Late shift: 16.00 – 22.00) and you will be required to work 4-5 shifts per week across seven days, on a rotating roster pattern.

This contract currently attracts an Annualised Hours Allowance (AHA) of 21.90%, which equates to approximately £4,754 of the pro-rata salary for this role, which is approximately £21,709. The total expected salary for this role, including AHA, is approximately £26,463.

21. Hull

Border Force Officer – Part time, Full year

You will work a contracted total of 1,040 hours per year over 52 weeks.

Shifts will be 4 hours long (Early shift: 06.30 – 10.30) and you will be required to work five shifts per week across seven days, on a rotating roster pattern.

This contract currently attracts an Annualised Hours Allowance (AHA) of 21.64%, which equates to approximately £3,263 of the pro-rata salary for this role, which is approximately £15080. The total expected salary for this role, including AHA, is approximately £18,344.

22. Inverness

Border Force Officer – Full time, Part year

You will work a contracted total of 1,147 hours per year over 31 weeks between April and October.

Shifts will be 9.5 hours long and you will be required to work on average four shifts per week across seven days, on a rotating roster pattern. You will work early and late shifts, the hours for which are:

• Early shift: 07.30 – 17.00
• Late shift: 13.30 – 23.00

This contract currently attracts an Annualised Hours Allowance (AHA) of 22.57%, which equates to approximately £3,754 of the pro-rata salary for this role, which is approximately £16,632. The total expected salary for this role, including AHA, is approximately £20,386.

23. Leeds/Bradford

Border Force Officer – Part time, Part year

You will work a contracted total of 620 hours per year over 31 weeks between April and October.

Shifts will be 5 hours long and you will be required to work four shifts per week across seven days, on a rotating roster pattern. You will work the following shifts:

• Shift 1: 13.00 – 18.00
• Shift 2: 22.00 – 03.00

This contract currently attracts an Annualised Hours Allowance (AHA) of 35.18%, which equates to approximately £3,163 of the pro-rata salary for this role, which is approximately £8,990. The total expected salary for this role, including AHA, is approximately £12,153.

24. Liverpool

Border Force Officer – Full time, Part year

You will work a contracted total of 900 hours per year over 21 weeks during seasonal peaks.

Shifts will be 9 hours and 40 minutes long (night shift is 10 hours) and you will be required to work five shifts across seven days, on a rotating roster pattern. You will work the full range of shifts, the hours for which are:

• Early shift: 06.30 – 16.10
• Mid shift: 11.30 – 21.10
• Late shift 1: 15.20 – 01.00
• Late shift 2: 13.50 – 23.30
• Night shift 21.00 – 07.00

This contract currently attracts an Annualised Hours Allowance (AHA) of 35.51%, which equates to approximately £4,634 of the pro-rata salary for this role, which is approximately £13,050. The total expected salary for this role, including AHA, is approximately £17,684.

25. Luton

Border Force Officer – Part time, Full year (Weekend Only – Night Shifts)

You will work a contracted total of 520 hours per year over 52 weeks.

You will be required to work four shifts in total per month on Saturdays and Sundays. Shifts will be ten hours long, although some extensions or changes may be required.

This part-time shift pattern will involve working four shifts of 16.00 – 02.00 per month.

This contract currently attracts an Annualised Hours Allowance (AHA) of 77.01%, which equates to approximately £5,807 of the pro-rata salary for this role, which is approximately £7,540. The total expected salary for this role, including AHA, is approximately £13,347.

26. Luton

Border Force Officer – Part time, Full year (Weekend Only – Late Shifts)

You will work a contracted total of 520 hours per year over 52 weeks.

Shifts will be 10 hours long (Late shift: 12.00 – 22.00) and you will work four shifts per month on Saturdays and Sundays.

This contract currently attracts an Annualised Hours Allowance (AHA) of 68.07%, which equates to approximately £5,133 of the pro-rata salary for this role, which is approximately £7,540. The total expected salary for this role, including AHA, is approximately £12,673.

27. Luton

Border Force Officer – Part time, Full year

You will work 1,096 hours per year, over 52 weeks.

During the Summer Period (approximately April – October) shifts will be 6-8 hours long and you will be required to work three to four shifts per week across seven days, on a rotating roster patter. You will work mid, late and night shifts, the hours of which are:

• Mid shift: 10.00 – 18.00
• Late shift: 15.00 – 23.00
• Night shift: 22.00 – 04.00

During the Winter period (approximately November - March) shifts will be 6-7 hours long and you will work 14 shifts every six weeks. You will work mid and late shifts, the hours of which will be:

• Mid shift: 11.00 – 17.00
• Late shift: 17.00 – 23.00

This contract currently attracts an Annualised Hours Allowance (AHA) of 40.46%, which equates to approximately £6,431 of the pro-rata salary for this role, which is approximately £15,895. The total expected salary for this role, including AHA, is approximately £22,326.

28. Manchester

Border Force Officer – Full time, Part year

You will work a contracted total of 999 hours per year over 27 weeks between May and October.

Shifts will be 10 hours long and will follow a rotating oster patter. You will work the full range of shifts, the hours of which are below.

• Early shift: 06:00 – 16:00
• Late shift: 14:00 – 00:00
• Night shift: 21:00- 07:00

This contract currently attracts an Annualised Hours Allowance (AHA) of 36.83%, which equates to approximately £5,335 of the pro-rata salary for this role, which is approximately £14,486. The total expected salary for this role, including AHA, is approximately £19,821.

29. Manston (Small Boats Operational Command)

Border Force Officer – Full time, Part year

You will work a contracted total of 965 hours per year over 26 weeks between June and November.

Shifts will cover peak periods and are 11 hours long. You will be required to work on average four shifts per week over seven days, on a rotating roster pattern. You will work early, late and night shifts, the hours for which are:

• Early shift: 06.00 – 17.00
• Late shift: 14.00 – 01.00
• Night shift: 22:00 – 09.00

A development day is included within the shift pattern and the start/finish time of this is variable. A flexible week is also included within the roster where you may be asked to work an early or late shift (or be rostered off) – a minimum of seven weeks’ notice will be provided of your allocated shift within this week.

This contract currently attracts an Annualised Hours Allowance (AHA) of 47.73%, which equates to approximately £6,679 of the pro-rata salary for this role, which is approximately £13,993. The total expected salary for this role, including AHA, is approximately £20,672.

30. Newcastle

Border Force Officer – Full time, Part year

You will work a contracted total of 999 hours per year over 27 weeks between May and October.

Shifts will be 9-10 hours long and you will be required to work five shifts per week across seven days, on a rotating roster pattern. You will work the full range of shifts, the hours for which are:

• Early shift: 07:30 – 17:30
• Mid shift: 11:00 – 21:00
• Late shift: 14:00 – 00:00
• Night shift: 22:30 – 08:30

This contract currently attracts an Annualised Hours Allowance (AHA) of 35.14%, which equates to approximately £5,090 of the pro-rata salary for this role, which is approximately £14,486. The total expected salary for this role, including AHA, is approximately £19,576.

31. Newhaven

Border Force Officer – Part time, Full year

You will be required to work a contracted total of 778 hours per year over 52 weeks.

During the peak period (1st May – 30th September) you will be required to work five shifts per week for three weeks and four shifts in the fourth week, on a rotating roster pattern.

During the off-peak period (1st October – 30th April) you will be required to work three shifts per week across seven days, on a rotating roster pattern.

Shifts will cover peak periods and are 4 hours long. Shifts will be within the core hours outlined below:

• Core early shift: 04.00 – 14.30 or 06.30 – 17.00
• Core late shift: 13.30 – 00.00 or 14.00 – 00.30

This contract currently attracts an Annualised Hours Allowance (AHA) of 21.42%, which equates to approximately £2,416 of the pro-rata salary for this role, which is approximately £11,281. The total expected salary for this role, including AHA, is approximately £13,698.

32. Plymouth

Border Force Officer – Part time, Part year

You will work a contracted total of 709 hours per year over 40 weeks, predominantly March to November.

Shifts will cover peak periods and last up to 4 hours. You will be required to work four shifts per week across seven days, on a rotating roster pattern. Shifts will be within the core shifts laid out below:

• Core early shift: 06.30 – 17.00
• Core late shift: 12.00 – 23.00

This contract currently attracts an Annualised Hours Allowance (AHA) of 26.69%, which equates to approximately £2,744 of the pro-rata salary for this role, which is approximately £10,281. The total expected salary for this role, including AHA, is approximately £13,025.

33. Poole

Border Force Officer – Part time, Part year

You will work a contracted total of 999 hours per year over 27 weeks between May and October.

Shifts will cover peak periods and are 4-6 hours long. You will be required to work three shifts per week across seven days, on a rotating roster pattern. Shifts will be within the core shifts laid out below:

• Early shift: 06.30 – 17.00
• Mid shift: Variable
• Late shift 1: 15.00 – 01.00
• Late shift 2: 18.00 – 04.00

This contract currently attracts an Annualised Hours Allowance (AHA) of 28.66%, which equates to approximately £3,104 of the pro-rata salary for this role, which is approximately £10,832. The total expected salary for this role, including AHA, is approximately £13,936.

34. Port of Tyne

Border Force Officer – Part time, Full year (Mornings)

You will work a contracted total of 1,196 hours per year over 52 weeks of the year.

Shifts will be 5 hours long and you will be required to work four to five shifts per week across seven days, on a rotating roster pattern.

This contract currently attracts an Annualised Hours Allowance (AHA) of 19.96%, which equates to approximately £3,462 of the pro-rata salary for this role, which is approximately £17,342. The total expected salary for this role, including AHA, is approximately £20,804.

35. Portsmouth

Border Force Officer – Part time, Full year

You will work a contracted total of 988 hours per year over 52 weeks.

Shifts will cover peak periods and you will be required to work two shifts per week across seven days, on a rotating roster pattern. You will work the following shifts:

• Week 1: 05.30 – 16.00
• Week 2: 17.00 – 00.00

This contract currently attracts an Annualised Hours Allowance (AHA) of 31.90%, which equates to approximately £4,570 of the pro-rata salary for this role, which is approximately £14,326. The total expected salary for this role, including AHA, is approximately £18,896.

36. Southend

Border Force Officer – Full time, Part year

You will work a contracted total of 1,196 hours per year over 52 weeks of the year.

Shifts will be 8 hours long (15.00 – 23.00) and you will be required to work five shifts per week across seven days, on a rotating roster pattern.

This contract currently attracts an Annualised Hours Allowance (AHA) of 27.51%, which equates to approximately £5,585 of the pro-rata salary for this role, which is approximately £20,300. The total expected salary for this role, including AHA, is approximately £25,885.

37. Stansted (Regional Command and Control)

Border Force Officer – Part time, Full year

You will work a contracted total of 1,096 hours per year over 52 weeks.

Shifts will cover peak periods and are 8.5 hours long. You will be required to work two to three shifts per week across seven days, on a rotating roster pattern. You will work the full range of shifts, the hours for which are:

• Early shift: 06.30 – 15.00
• Mid shift: 10.00 – 18.30
• Late shift: 14.30 – 23.00
• Night shift: 22.30 – 07.00

This contract currently attracts an Annualised Hours Allowance (AHA) of 40.35%, which equates to approximately £6,416 of the pro-rata salary for this role, which is approximately £15,892. The total expected salary for this role, including AHA, is approximately £22,305.

We are currently recruiting for Border Force Officer roles, to join our teams in Felixstowe, Harwich, Portsmouth, Sevington and Southampton, specialising in our International Trade functions.

The role our Officers perform is dynamic, fast paced and always evolving. As a Border Force Officer in International Trade, you will play a pivotal role in facilitating the legitimate movement of goods to/from the United Kingdom at some of the busiest ports in the world. Our work can be challenging, but there will always be your team to support you throughout your career, not just the start. The part you play will be fundamental in both enhancing the UK’s reputation as a place to do business and protecting our public and domestic markets by preventing the importation of prohibited or restricted goods.”

International Trade includes a wide range of systems and functions that work in tandem to provide the world class border that the public expects. Whilst primarily focussed on commodities and freight, our International Trade Officers also lead on the UK’s commitment to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, investigation of Intellectual Property Rights infringements (counterfeit goods) and work closely with partner agencies to help deliver the UK’s trade strategy.

The work you will perform has a tangible impact on boosting UK prosperity by collecting revenue owed at the border, closing the tax gap and supporting the integrity of the economy.

Our operational activity is intelligence-driven, with searches for undeclared and mis-declared goods. ensuring that imported/exported goods are declared, validated and the relevant taxes have been correctly applied.

Further searches for prohibited counterfeit or restricted goods (such as drugs, firearms, weapons, cash, tobacco and alcohol) may also form part of your role as you undertake International Trade work.

Audio Description

As a Border Force Officer in International Trade, you may be involved in the following types of activity:

• Operating customs controls at points of import/export to the UK, checking goods and consignments have the correct permissions and documentation across a range of International Trade/Customs regimes.
• Identifying and searching goods and vehicles to establish if a customs offence has been committed.
• Engaging with consignees, undertaking investigations and making decisions on whether imports/exports can proceed or require further investigation.
• Undertaking post detection actions in respect of any irregularities found.
• Liaising with and managing enquiries from trade companies, other government departments and port operators to support and facilitate a smooth border crossing, ensuring goods can be processed promptly.
• Using law enforcement powers to arrest people, detain and seize goods involved in border offences, preserving evidence and liaising with other law enforcement partners.

Working Hours

Successful candidates will need to be able to attend for all shifts including early starts (from 0500 hours), late night finishes, and overnight shifts. These shifts may be outside of public transport operating hours.

Driving Licence

It is essential for applicants to hold a full valid UK manual/automatic driving licence for the following locations;

Felixstowe, Harwich, Portsmouth, Southampton and Stansted

You will be required to provide evidence of your driving licence during the recruitment process.

Due to the nature of the role and/or geographical area, it is desirable for applicants to hold a full valid UK manual/automatic driving licence for the following locations;

Sevington

For locations where it is desirable for an applicant to hold a full UK driving licence, and due to the 24/7/365 operational nature of these roles, you will need to ensure that you are able to commute to and from your home station when there may be no public transport available.

Pay and Allowances

Those new to the Civil Service will have a starting salary of £28,000 for these roles.

As a Border Force Officer, you will also be eligible for an Annual Hours Allowance (AHA) to compensate for working the shift patterns outlined in the Working Patterns section, above. Shifts can vary in length and can be up to 12 hours; shifts can be changed or extended according to business need.

The rate payable is dependent on location and role and is indicative of the shift pattern you will be required to work. The higher the AHA, the more flexible you will be required to be.

Please note that AHA rates are regularly reviewed and subject to change and can increase/decrease, dependent on business need.

Training and Development

You will receive full training and support to do the job. Training takes place initially in the ‘classroom’ and then continues ‘on the job’ with a mentor who supports you until you are fully confident in the role. Even then you are never alone: you work as part of a team where there is always someone around for advice and support.

Training for frontline Border Force Assistant Officers will include teaching skills in public and personal safety training, which includes control and restraint techniques to keep you, your colleagues and the public safe.

There are three levels of PPST;

PPST Level 1: Online E-Learning course.

PPST Level 2: Defensive and de-escalation techniques

PPST Level 3: PPST Level 2 plus restraint and arrest techniques,

PPST Level 2 and Level 3 require physical activity and physical contact with the other delegates. You will be required to complete a health declaration in advance and, if necessary, attend a medical examination. A formal job offer cannot be made if you do not have the level of physical fitness needed to undertake and pass the training. This training is refreshed annually.

Details regards the PPST Level required per location and/or role can be found in the job advert.

Officers undergo full-time initial training, which lasts approximately five to eight five weeks, depending on the role you have applied for. You will be allocated to a training hub in Bedfont Lakes, Croydon, Folkestone, Liverpool or Manchester or local to your home port depending on the size of the location and number of new entrants. If you do not live within a reasonable commutable distance to one of our training locations, there may be a requirement for some overnight stays. Travel and accommodation costs will be paid by Border Force.

Training takes place Monday to Friday and does not require shift working. No Annualised Hours Allowance (AHA) is payable during the initial training. For internal candidates already in receipt of AHA, payment of the allowance will continue during the period of initial training.

In addition to our full time Border Force Officer International Trade roles we are also recruiting for International Trade Alternative Shift Working roles in Pembroke, Portsmouth and Southampton. These roles available are not full-time and cover a variety working patterns, outlined below. Whilst these roles are not full time positions they are permanent contracts and you will be a substantive Civil Servant and entitled to the same benefits as a full-time member of staff.

The role our Officers perform is dynamic, fast paced and always evolving. As a Border Force Officer in International Trade, you will play a pivotal role in facilitating the legitimate movement of goods to/from the United Kingdom at some of the busiest ports in the world. Our work can be challenging, but there will always be your team to support you throughout your career, not just the start. The part you play will be fundamental in both enhancing the UK’s reputation as a place to do business and protecting our public and domestic markets by preventing the importation of prohibited or restricted goods.”

Our Alternative Shift Working roles are bring offered in order to meet specific business needs and you should not expect to be made full-time once in post. If you want a full-time position, these roles are not suitable for you and you may be more interested in our full-time Border Force Assistant Officer/Officer – International Trade roles.

Audio Description

International Trade includes a wide range of systems and functions that work in tandem to provide the world class border that the public expects. Whilst primarily focussed on commodities and freight, our International Trade Officers also lead on the UK’s commitment to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, investigation of Intellectual Property Rights infringements (counterfeit goods) and work closely with partner agencies to help deliver the UK’s trade strategy.

The work you will perform has a tangible impact on boosting UK prosperity by collecting revenue owed at the border, closing the tax gap and supporting the integrity of the economy.

Our operational activity is intelligence-driven, with searches for undeclared and mis-declared goods. ensuring that imported/exported goods are declared, validated and the relevant taxes have been correctly applied.

Further searches for prohibited” is incomplete (above the bulleted listed of responsibilities). It should read: “Further searches for prohibited counterfeit or restricted goods (such as drugs, firearms, weapons, cash, tobacco and alcohol) may also form part of your role as you undertake International Trade work.

As a Border Force Officer in International Trade, you may be involved in the following types of activity:

• Operating customs controls at points of import/export to the UK, checking goods and consignments have the correct permissions and documentation across a range of International Trade/Customs regimes.
• Identifying and searching goods and vehicles to establish if a customs offence has been committed.
• Engaging with consignees, undertaking investigations and making decisions on whether imports/exports can proceed or require further investigation.
• Undertaking post detection actions in respect of any irregularities found.
• Liaising with and managing enquiries from trade companies, other government departments and port operators to support and facilitate a smooth border crossing, ensuring goods can be processed promptly.
• Using law enforcement powers to arrest people, detain and seize goods involved in border offences, preserving evidence and liaising with other law enforcement partners.

Working Hours

Successful candidates will need to be able to attend for all shifts including early starts (from 0500 hours), late night finishes, and overnight shifts. These shifts may be outside of public transport operating hours.

Driving Licence

Due to the nature of the role and/or geographical area, it is essential for applicants to hold a full valid UK manual/automatic driving licence for the following locations;

Felixstowe, Harwich, Portsmouth, Southampton and Stansted

You will be required to provide evidence of your licence during the recruitment process.

It is desirable for applicants to hold a full valid UK manual/automatic driving licence for the following locations;

Sevington

For locations where it is desirable for an applicant to hold a full UK driving licence, and due to the 24/7/365 operational nature of these roles, you will need to ensure that you are able to commute to and from your home station when there may be no public transport available.

Pay and Allowances

Those new to the Civil Service will have a starting salary of £28,000 for these roles (pro-rata).

As a Border Force Officer, you will also be eligible for an Annual Hours Allowance (AHA) to compensate for working the shift patterns outlined in the Working Patterns section, above. Shifts can vary in length and can be up to 12 hours; shifts can be changed or extended according to business need.

The rate payable is dependent on location and role and is indicative of the shift pattern you will be required to work. The higher the AHA, the more flexible you will be required to be.

For full details on the pro-rata salaries and AHA rates that these roles attract please see the Working Patterns section.

Training and Development

You will receive full training and support to do the job. Training takes place initially in the ‘classroom’ and then continues ‘on the job’ with a mentor who supports you until you are fully confident in the role. Even then you are never alone: you work as part of a team where there is always someone around for advice and support.

Training for Border Force International Trade Officers will include Public and Personal Safety Training (PPST) to ensure that you can keep you, your colleagues and the public safe. There are three levels of PPST;

PPST Level 1: Online E-Learning course.

PPST Level 2: Defensive and de-escalation techniques

PPST Level 3: PPST Level 2 plus restraint and arrest techniques,

PPST Level 2 and Level 3 require physical activity and physical contact with the other delegates. You will be required to complete a health declaration in advance and, if necessary, attend a medical examination. A formal job offer cannot be made if you do not have the level of physical fitness needed to undertake and pass the training. This training is refreshed annually.

Details regards the PPST Level required per location and/or role can be found in the job advert.

Officers undergo full-time initial training, which lasts approximately five to eight five weeks, depending on the role you have applied for.

Training may take place outside of your contracted working hours, however additional payments will be made to cover your training period.

You will be allocated to a training hub in Bedfont Lakes, Croydon, Folkestone, Liverpool or Manchester or local to your home port depending on the size of the location and number of new entrants. If you do not live within a reasonable commutable distance to one of our training locations, there may be a requirement for some overnight stays. Travel and accommodation costs will be paid by Border Force.

Training takes place Monday to Friday and does not require shift working. No Annualised Hours Allowance (AHA) is payable during the initial training. For internal candidates already in receipt of AHA, payment of the allowance will continue during the period of initial training.

Working Patterns

The roles listed below provide an overview of the patterns available, the Annualised Hours Allowance (AHA) payable and the total expected salary, based on the pro-rata salary of a full time Border Force Officer.

A majority of the shifts you will be expected to work will match the patterns laid out below. However, please be aware that, due to the flexible and operational nature of our roles, there may be occasions when you are required to attend the workplace outside the pattern schedule to assist with business need, maintain your skillset and/or undertake mandatory training. You will work with your line manager and resourcing teams to plan all shifts in advance.

Please also note that AHA rates are regularly reviewed and subject to change and can increase/decrease, dependent on business need.

1. Pembroke

Border Force Officer – Part time, Full year

You will be required to work a contracted total of 940 hours per year over 52 weeks.

Shifts will cover peak periods and are 6 hours long. You will be required to work three shifts per week between Wednesday and Sunday, on a rotating roster pattern.

• Week 1-3: 09.00 – 15.00 (Friday, Saturday, Sunday)
• Week 4: 09.00 – 15.00 (Wednesday, Thursday, Friday)

This contract currently attracts an Annualised Hours Allowance (AHA) of 31%, which equates to approximately £4,225 of the pro-rata salary for this role, which is approximately £13,630. The total expected salary for this role, including AHA, is approximately £17,856.

2. Pembroke

Border Force Officer – Part time, Full year (Evenings)

You will be required to work a contracted total of 1,566 hours per year over 52 weeks.

Shifts will cover peak periods and be 6 hours long (19.00 – 01.00). You will be required to work five days per week across seven days.

This contract currently attracts an Annualised Hours Allowance (AHA) of 29.39%, which equates to approximately £6,674 of the pro-rata salary for this role, which is approximately £22,707. The total expected salary for this role, including AHA, is approximately £29,381.

3. Portsmouth

Border Force Officer – Part time, Full year

You will work a contracted total of 1,248 hours per year over 52 weeks.

Shifts will be 6 hours long and you will be required to work four shifts per week across seven days, on a rotating roster pattern. You will work early and late shifts, the hours for which are:

• Early shift: 05.30 – 11.30
• Late shift: 18.00 - 23.59

This contract currently attracts an Annualised Hours Allowance (AHA) of 24.79%, which equates to approximately £4,486 of the pro-rata salary for this role, which is approximately £18,096. The total expected salary for this role, including AHA, is approximately £22,582.

4. Southampton

Border Force Officer - Part time, Full year

You will work a contracted total of 1,305 hours per year over 52 weeks.

You will be required to work 25 hours per week across Monday to Friday only. Attendance times will be within core operating hours 08:00 – 16:00.

The following shift patterns will be available:

• Three days per week at 8 hours 20 minutes per day.
• Four days per week at 6 hours 15 minutes per day.
• Five days per week at 5 hours per day.

Your preferred working days should be discussed with the Vacancy Holder but will be agreed according to business need. The agreed days will be fixed every week.

This is a non-shift working role with no requirement to work public holidays and does not attract an Annualised Hours Allowance. The total expected salary is approximately £18,923.

We are currently recruiting for Border Force Assistant Officer roles, to join our teams in Felixstowe, Harwich and Sevington, specialising in our International Trade functions.

The role our Assistant Officers perform is dynamic, fast paced and always evolving. As a Border Force Assistant Officer in International Trade you will play a pivotal role in facilitating the legitimate movement of goods to/from the United Kingdom at some of the busiest ports in the world. Our work can be challenging, but there will always be your team to support you throughout your career, not just the start. The part you play will be fundamental in both enhancing the UK’s reputation as a place to do business and protecting our public and domestic markets by preventing the importation of prohibited or restricted goods.

International Trade includes a wide range of systems and functions that work in tandem to provide the world class border that the public expects. Whilst primarily focussed on commodities and freight, our International Trade officers also lead on the UK’s commitment to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species and work closely with partner agencies to help deliver the UK’s trade strategy.

The work you will perform has a tangible impact on boosting UK prosperity by collecting revenue owed at the border, closing the tax gap and supporting the integrity of the economy.

Our operational activity is intelligence-driven, with searches for prohibited, counterfeit or restricted goods (such as drugs, firearms, weapons, cash, tobacco and alcohol), people of interest and ensuring that imported/exported goods are declared, validated and the relevant taxes have been correctly applied.

Audio Description

As a Border Force Assistant Officer in International Trade, you may be involved in the following types of activity:

• Undertaking checks and research on IT systems to identify companies, traders and goods at the border.
• Conducting searches on companies, traders and goods to establish if a customs offence has been committed.
• Documentary checks on goods and traders and & physical inspections on goods
• International Trade work including processing and recording documentation, investigating errors and responding to complaints.
• Using and gathering intelligence to inform border activity.

In some International Trade locations, you could also be involved in these types of activities:

• Using law enforcement powers to assist in the arrest and detention of people involved in border offences, preserving evidence and liaising with law enforcement partners.
• Identifying vulnerable adults and children, prioritising their safety and welfare and referring to the appropriate agencies.
• Supporting wider frontline Border Force activity in its operational and corporate functions including recruitment, training and finance.

Working Hours

Successful candidates will need to be able to attend for all shifts including early starts (from 0500 hours), late night finishes, and overnight shifts. These shifts may be outside of public transport operating hours.

Driving Licence

Due to the nature of the role and/or geographical location, it is desirable for applicants to hold a full valid UK manual/automatic driving licence.

Pay and Allowances

Those new to the Civil Service will have a starting salary of £24,800 for these roles.

As a Border Force Assistant Officer, you will also be eligible for an Annual Hours Allowance (AHA) to compensate for working the shift patterns outlined in the Working Patterns section, above. Shifts can vary in length and can be up to 12 hours; shifts can be changed or extended according to business need.

The rate payable is dependent on location and role and is indicative of the shift pattern you will be required to work. The higher the AHA, the more flexible you will be required to be.

Please note that AHA rates are regularly reviewed and subject to change and can increase/decrease, dependent on business need.

Training and Development

You will receive full training and support to do the job. Training takes place initially in the ‘classroom’ and then continues ‘on the job’ with a mentor who supports you until you are fully confident in the role. Even then you are never alone: you work as part of a team where there is always someone around for advice and support.

Training for frontline Border Force Officers will include teaching skills in public and personal safety training, which includes control and restraint techniques to keep you, your colleagues and the public safe. This Public and Personal Safety Training (PPST) requires physical activity and physical contact with the other delegates. You will be required to complete a health declaration in advance and, if necessary, attend a medical examination. A formal job offer cannot be made if you do not have the level of physical fitness needed to undertake and pass the training. This training is refreshed annually.

Assistant Officers undergo full-time initial training, which lasts approximately five to eight five weeks, depending on the role you have applied for .

You will be allocated to a training hub in Bedfont Lakes, Croydon, Folkestone, Liverpool or Manchester or local to your home port depending on the size of the location and number of new entrants. If you do not live within a reasonable commutable distance to one of our training locations, there may be a requirement for some overnight stays. Travel and accommodation costs will be paid by Border Force.

Training takes place Monday to Friday and does not require shift working. No Annualised Hours Allowance (AHA) is payable during the initial training. For internal candidates already in receipt of AHA, payment of the allowance will continue during the period of initial training.