RBS admits problems with its computer system will not be properly fixed for days
Martin Hickman
Following stints with Reuters and the Press Association, Martin Hickman joined The Independent as a news editor in 2001. He became the Consumer Affairs Correspondent in September 2005 and has run the paper's trenchant campaigns on packaging, bank charges and factory-farmed chicken. He writes on subjects as diverse as food, finance, energy and fashion. With Tom Watson, he is author of a new book on the phone hacking scandal, Dial M for Murdoch - News Corporation and the Corruption of Britain.
Wednesday 27 June 2012
Related articles
-
RBS admits computer problems will last until Monday as NatWest customers also face financial chaos
-
Simon Read: NatWest and RBS need to get on top of this so-called 'computer glitch'
-
NatWest and RBS customers may receive compensation as 'computer glitch' drags into sixth day
-
Natwest branches open late to help customers affected by technical glitch
Problems with the computer system at RBS Group
will not be properly fixed for days, the taxpayer-controlled banking giant
admitted today.
To rising frustration among account-holders whose funds have been frozen since last Wednesday, the £6bn-a-year group said that it was still struggling to restore a full service to its 17 million customers.
Customers of the group’s three retail brands, RBS, NatWest and Ulster Bank, have been hit by a calamitous computer upgrade that left them unable to withdraw money, delaying some home moves and disrupting others' holidays.
RBS Group said the vast majority of NatWest and RBS accounts affected were not free from disruption, but it admitted that some were still experiencing difficulties – along with 100,000 Ulster Bank customers.
A spokesman said: “We can confirm that the small amount of outstanding unprocessed transactions continues to reduce, and significant further progress is expected. As previously cautioned, however, progress towards a completely normal service is likely to be affected by the significant stress on the system over recent days.”
The group - 82 per cent owned by the state after a multi-billion pound bailout in 2008 – hoped to restore a normal service by Monday.
In an attempt to sort out the mess, the group has cancelled corporate hospitality at Wimbledon, extended branch hours and doubled the number of call centre staff.
Speculation has mounted over the cause of the problem, with unconfirmed reports pointing the finger at an inexperienced technician in India, where RBS has recently outsourced work.
Patience was wearing thin among some customers. One wrote on NatWest's website: “Since last Tuesday not been able to access (my) account balance at all from my local cashpoint. Keeps telling me: 'Contact your bank'. Not easy when every other customer is trying to do the same. Card and service useless…”
Another said they had endured ”eight days of hassle“ and were still waiting for money to be credited.
The customer wrote: ”I have kept calm for eight days but I'm getting rather sick off it now.“
-
Have shock jocks gone too far?
-
Former Google exec says he has 100,000 emails showing how 'immoral' company avoids paying UK tax
-
Notes from a small island: Is Sealand an independent 'micronation' or an illegal fortress?
-
British man confesses to slitting two children's throats in Lyon flat
-
'Swivel-gate': David Cameron goes to war with the press over 'swivel-eyed loons' slur
- 1 Asteroid nine times the size of the QE2 liner to sail pass Earth
- 2 Notes from a small island: Is Sealand an independent 'micronation' or an illegal fortress?
- 3 British business: We need to stay in the EU - or risk losing up to £92bn a year
- 4 You thought Ryanair's attendants had it bad? Wait 'til you hear about their pilots
- 5 It’s official: thanks to Stephen Hawking's Israel boycott, anti-Semitism is no more
Get your summer started with British Military Fitness
BMF is the UK’s biggest and best loved outdoor fitness classes
Visit York
Find out what The Independent's resident travel expert has to say about one of the most beautiful small cities in the world
Enter the latest Independent competitions
Win anything from gadgets to five-star holidays on our competitions and offers page.
Business videos from commercial thought leaders
Watch the best in the business world give their insights into the world of business.
Independent Dating
iJobs General
Senior Employment Solicitor - Birmingham
Excellent Package: Austen Lloyd: This is a senior appointment with huge potent...
Teaching Programme Officer with Qualified Teacher Status
£28000 - £31500 per annum + benefits: Randstad Education Newcastle: Permanent ...
SAP FI-CA Consultant - up to £58k
£50000 - £58000 per annum + Benefits and Bonus: Progressive Recruitment: SAP F...
PHP/ Drupal Developer - £35k - WC
£30000 - £40000 per annum + BENS: Progressive Recruitment: Drupal Developer A ...
Day In a Page
The price of pacifism
Jason Isaacs: Groupies, theatre bores and James Bond
Sealand: 'Micronation' or illegal fortress?
Legend of James Hunt has set Hollywood hearts racing
Macklemore: 'I don't have moderation'







Comments