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SPANISH diplomatic staff in Britain are warning of delays to the processing of visa applications due to an indefinite strike over pay and working conditions.
The Spanish embassy in London and consulates nationwide have reportedly been running an emergency staffing rota for urgent services since March 14, when the industrial action began.
The strikers said their pay, mostly below £25,000 a year, has not changed since 2008, despite many having to work in costly cities such as London and Manchester.
They also face a dramatically increased workload after Brexit as British citizens now need to apply for a visa to stay in Spain for more than 90 days in every 180-day period.
One worker, who did not wish to be named, said that many “cannot foresee a future” in their jobs as skyrocketing inflation and the Tory government’s decision to raise National Insurance contributions are causing “real difficulties.”
There is also a “sense of abandonment by the Spanish authorities,” they added, as ministers from the governing centre-left Socialist Party have so far failed to negotiate.
Another protest is due to take place in London on Friday.
