Contact HQ on 01255 553039 | hq@theisu.co.uk

The Union for Borders, Immigration and Customs

Our use of cookies

We use necessary cookies to make our site work. We'd also like to set optional analytics cookies to help us improve it. We won't set optional cookies unless you enable them. Using this tool will set a cookie on your device to remember your preferences. For more detailed information about the cookies we use, see our cookies page.

Necessary cookies

Necessary cookies enable core functionality such as security, network management and accessibility. You may disable these by changing your browser settings, but this may affect how the website functions.

Analytics cookies

We'd like to set Google Analytics cookies to help us to improve our website by collecting and reporting information on how you use it. For more information on how these cookies work please see our cookies page. The cookies collect information in an anonymous form.

Please check here to enable analytics cookies or here to disable them.

Border Force


The majority of ISU members work in Border Force, regulating entry of people and goods at over 140 airports and seaports around the UK and at Juxtaposed Border Control locations in France and Belgium.

Border Force was formed in 2012 from the ashes of the failed UK Border Agency, itself established only in 2008. Prior to that, the Customs and Immigration elements of Border Force had existed separately for many years. Nowadays Border Force marries both aspects of Border Control, focusing increasingly on prevention of crime, national security and supporting national prosperity.


ISU members in Border Force contribute critically to the national security of the UK and to maintaining our Border Controls.

ISU and Border Force, working together every day


Fighting Crime


ISU members in Border Force deal with many millions of inbound travelers to the UK each year, granting admission in accordance with Immigration Rules and preventing the entry of those aiming to cause the UK harm.

Border Force also apprehends people traffickers, disrupting the flow of illegal entrants to the UK, while the International arm supports other governments around the world in improving their Border processes and protections, disrupting international criminality.

Border Force and Customs


On the Customs side of the house, every year Border Force intercept vast quantities of illegal drugs, contraband cigarettes and alcohol and counterfeit goods while also ensuring that correct excise duties are paid in respect of import goods.

Border Force teams use sophisticated intelligence and detection tools in this work, leading to numerous successful prosecutions and significant disruption to organised crime networks.


Working with the Cutters and looking to join a union?


The ISU offer full union coverage for Border Force employees working on the Cutters. Find out more about how the ISU is the right union for you!

Do you work for Border Force? Join the ISU!