Some 28,526 people crossed the Channel last year, according to official figures, but this is expected to almost double in 2022, according to a union representing Border Force workers.

The forecast was also made before the invasion of Ukraine, which has caused an exodus of refugees fleeing the conflict.

More than 2,100 people have already crossed the Dover Strait in small boats so far this year - including hundreds over the past week - despite icy winter chills and the dangers involved.

Border Force staff morale is at an "all time low" as they brace for an even busier year while having to also contend with an "immensely old" fleet of cutter ships, Lucy Moreton, from the Union for Borders, Immigration and Customs (ISU) said.

Staff have been told to work to a planning assumption that arrivals in 2022 will almost double.

"The planning is for nearly 60,000, and that was before Ukraine," she told Sky News.

Home Secretary Priti Patel and the Government have repeatedly pledged to make the Channel route "unviable" and tens of millions of pounds promised to France to help tackle the issue.

It comes as documents published this week show the Home Office awarded a contract to charter a vessel to "aid in the transport of migrants recovered from the sea to the UK Reception Centres".

The £234,000 award figure appeared next to the contract details but has since been taken down.

The Home Office refused to comment on whether the contract was for an additional vessel or to extend one already in service.

'As refugees flee Ukraine, this could not be more obvious'

A spokesperson said the Nationality and Borders Bill will crack down on people smugglers and help fix "the broken system".

They added: "We are facing a global migration crisis we are seeing an unacceptable rise in high risk and unnecessary small boat crossings because of illegal migration."

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However, Minnie Rahman from the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants said: "People fleeing conflict and persecution should be able to travel safely to reach loved ones and get protection - as refugees flee Ukraine, this could not be more obvious.

"If this government were serious about preventing risky crossings and providing sanctuary to people who need it, it would establish regulated routes to asylum in the UK now."