RBS admits problems with its computer system will not be properly fixed for days

 

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.“

Independent Comment
blog comments powered by Disqus
Top stories
News in pictures
World news in pictures
UK news in pictures
UK news in pictures
More stories
       
Independent
Travel Shop
India and Shimla
14 nights from only £1899pp Find out more
Prague city break
Three nights from £199pp Find out more
4* Soreda hotel break, Malta
Seven nights all-inclusive from £399pp Find out more
Independent Dating
and  

By clicking 'Search' you
are agreeing to our
Terms of Use.

Day In a Page

Watch out Watford: Here comes the secretive Bilderberg Group

Watch out Watford: Here comes the secretive Bilderberg Group

A meeting of global power brokers in a Hertfordshire hotel is exciting conspiracy theorists, but what are they really about?
'The ultimate all-in-one home entertainment system': Microsoft finally unveils its Xbox ONE console

'The ultimate all-in-one home entertainment system'

Microsoft finally unveils its Xbox ONE console
Plenty of Fish dating site founder pulls 'Intimate Encounters' option to ward off sleazy men

Plenty of sleaze

Dating website pulls intimate 'hook-up' section to curb harassment
Inferno author Dan Brown 'honoured' to be invited to join the Freemasons

The Freemasons’ Code

Dan Brown reveals the message that told him door to the lodge is open
Not secure any more: G4S boss heads for exit at last

Not secure any more: G4S boss heads for exit at last

Nick Buckles survived the Olympics débâcle and a £5bn bid fiasco but a profit warning finally triggered his downfall
How to say ‘I’m a sellout’: Tumblr’s David Karp’s message of reassurance to his staff sounded very familiar

How to say ‘I’m a sellout’

Tumblr’s David Karp’s message of reassurance to his staff sounded very familiar
Why clubs are keen to take a stand

Why clubs are keen to take a stand

There's a real desire around the grounds for safe standing. But will the authorities listen?
In the end the fans decided Tony Pulis had made a pig's ear of the job at Stoke City

In the end the fans decided Tony Pulis had made a pig's ear of the job at Stoke City

Disillusion with a siege mentality and negative playing style made change inevitable
James Lawton: The James Hunt I knew is the subject of a new F1 movie

James Lawton: The James Hunt I knew is the subject of a new F1 movie

British driver was fascinating man whose epic duel with Niki Lauda in 1976 was typical of an era of glamour and glory – but also the ever-present threat of death
Stuart Hogg: Ready to climb his own Everest

Stuart Hogg: Ready to climb his own Everest

Lions' cub, 20, joins long line of players from Scottish borders club Hawick given opportunity to make his mark at highest level
Carl Froch handed rare chance of revenge with dream rematch

Steve Bunce on Boxing

Carl Froch handed rare chance of revenge with dream rematch against Mikel Kessler
'There is a battle going on inside us that is never discussed'

Masculinity in crisis?

'There is a battle going on inside us that is never discussed'
Have US shock jocks gone too far?

Have US shock jocks gone too far?

An incendiary remark from Rush Limbaugh may be the beginning of the end for outspoken right-wing US broadcasters
The ‘Beverly Hills’ of Surrey pays more income tax than big cities of the North

The ‘Beverly Hills’ of Surrey

Elmbridge pays more income tax than big cities of the North
Heavenly Bodies

Heavenly Bodies

Michael Landy's artistic marriage made in heaven... and hell