Originally Posted by JohnnyColombia

It does create an awful impression when they have these little signs up saying "Due to increased security measures it may take longer to process your entry"
Then you get to the desks and half of them are empty. It is pretty clear that the delay is not increased security but woeful staffing.

Never had a problem at LHR but arriving at LTN* at 23.00 and the queue almost runs up to the plane's doors, then when you finally get to the desks, there is one little old lady running it, it's past her bedtime, she hasn't got her teeth in and she has already had her cocoa.

If I weren't British I would be wondering where the devil I had landed

* I appreciate discerning FTers do NOT "arrive at LTN" but needs must sometimes.

It's not a uniquely British problem, arrive at LIM and you will see that not only are just half the desks manned but only half of them have computers and chairs too.