icScotland - NatWest accounts upheaval continues
icScotland logo
icScotland News Sport icHomes
Search icScotland for:
Today's UK news
News  UK  Today's UK news  Article

NatWest accounts upheaval continues

05:05, Jun 23 2012

 

NatWest customers face further upheaval after technical hitches left angry clients unable to pay bills or access their money.

The bank has taken the unusual step of opening hundreds of branches over the weekend and said it was working "round the clock" to clear a backlog of chaos.

More than 900 branches will be staffed until 6pm and until midday on Sunday. It remains unclear exactly when the issues will be completely resolved.

The repercussions have extended beyond the banks' own clients, with one couple who are not NatWest customers left unable to move into their new home.

Hundreds of customers have vented their frustration over the problems, with some finding payments had gone awry and others observing disappearing wages, or holidays and home purchases disrupted. Account balances were not updated properly overnight, meaning credit and debit payments were not showing up as quickly as they should.

Meanwhile, concerns were raised over penalty charges, amid suggestions that thousands of customers could be hit with fines if their regular household bill payments - including mortgages - are affected.

The issues extend to Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) and Ulster Bank users. All three banks are part of RBS Group, which is attempting to clear a raft of problems caused by the technical fault which it believes it has fixed.

The group has apologised and moved to quash fears over withdrawals, assuring customers their money is "in the system" and staff will be on hand in branches to help them access their cash. It has pledged no one will be left out of pocket. Anyone who incurs penalties because of the problems has been urged to contact their branch.

Susan Allen, customer services director for RBS-NatWest retail, told ITV News it was difficult to say exactly when all the problems would be resolved.

The problem reportedly arose after staff tried to install a software update on RBS's payment processing system, but ended up corrupting it.

 
Tories bid to smooth 'loons' furore
Governor warning on housing package
Cameron 'losing control' of party
I won't step down, insists Assad
Several blasts rock Libyan cities
Boys held over teenage 'drug' death
Ukip hits opinion poll high of 19%
Building society raiders sought
Police name drug death teenager
Headteachers cross swords with Gove
Pool tragedy response criticised
Young women killed in car crash
Olympics star Ennis ties the knot
Rowling's Harry Potter book on sale
Tory peer denies jibe at activists
Briton drowns on holiday in Italy
New Moderator describes 'honour'
Headteachers vote against reforms
Surgery row trust to replace chief
North Korea 'fires three missiles'
Top Top

Back Back

E-mail this article to a friend

Printable VersionPrintable version

 
News  UK  Today's UK news  Article
 


Copyright and Trade Mark Notice
© owned by or licensed to Scottish & Universal Newspapers Limited 2013.
icScotland™ is a trade mark of Scottish & Universal Newspapers Limited.
Please read our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Statement before using this site.

 
Advertisements
 
Jobs in Scotland: