Ulster Bank backlog 'unprecedented'

Published Sunday, 24 June 2012

The scale of the backlog caused by recent technical problems at the Ulster Bank is "unprecedented," bosses have admitted - and may not be fully resolved until the end of the incoming week.

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Ulster Bank crisis
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A number of branches will stay open on Monday until 6pm, as efforts to clear the backlog continue.

"We are working around the clock to get this resolved," an Ulster Bank spokesman said.

"However, we have encountered a significant number of minor issues which require manual intervention. This has delayed us being able to move forward as quickly as we would have liked.

"The result is that it will be towards the end of this week before we will be operating back at real time for all our customers. We apologise unreservedly for this."

Ulster Bank customers had experienced a one-day delay in payments being processed, causing concerns among customers that they could end up "in the red" if direct debits were withdrawn from their accounts.

The bank insists that any charges incurred as a result of the errors will be refund in full, but it will be the customer's responsibility to alert the bank to any problems.

Extra opening hours have been in place on Friday evening and over the weekend, with thousands of customers dealt with both in branches and over the phone.

"We have a number of options in place to help our customers," the spokesman added.

"Customers have access to cash through our ATM network and through our branch network. They can also call us on 0800 231232 or go online."

Comments

20 Comments

Paul in england wrote (324 days ago):

I am working in England to support my family. This morning the Ulster bank to ld me of a way to get money to my family as they are in belfast with no food or money and the same meters for the energy. Whrn i phoned them back to get contact details I was told a different story and the original method was incorrect. They then told me to go to the Natwest and they would help me out but the branch would be closed by the time I would get there so that was useless. I dont believe the staff know what they are talking about and are just bluffing their way. I am under no illusions that their staff all got their pay and can access their accounts normally. Cant wait til the start of the week and all my direct debits start bouncing, the Ulster Bank will be quick enough to start taking fees and charges off us poor humble workers. Be warned Ulster Bank, there are plenty of other banks out there willing to take our business.

outa luck in belfast wrote (327 days ago):

I am a career for 2 disabled children, i have payment meters for both my gas and electricity and have been waiting since friday for my money to appear into my account because in the next 12 hours my electricity will run out and my gas shortly after. Thanks to ulster bank i have no way of getting any more as they have my money. On friday the company that provide my phone and tv services will be debiting my account for funds which are not going to be there because again ulster bank has not updated my account. Ulster bank keeps saying no one will loose any money but what are they going to do to help people in similar circumstances to me. Maybe they want to contact Power NI and the Gas company to arrange for my supply to remain on. Ulster bank can not force families into these situations and not be pay some form of compensation.

vt in belfast wrote (327 days ago):

went to bank today to make a lodgement and was told it will not be put into your account untill things are sorted,we will keep your money for you untill then,would you give it to them on these conditions?

john in bangor wrote (327 days ago):

ive 300 cash in the house and this problem has not affected me at all. i have 2 active bank accounts and credit cards, but then I thought ahead so im ok. learn from this people, and have a reserve squirreled away, but no too many live hand to mouth, jenny is a tax credit free money?, i earn mine.

kyle green in belfast wrote (327 days ago):

Due to disability I had to get taxie there and back. Cost £12 on Friday. Was told the problem would be fixed on Monday. Only lifted enough money to do me over the weekend. As the problem was not fixed another £12 to-day on taxies. Bank says we wont be out of pocket. Are they going to refund the money I had to pay out on taxies. I DONT THINK SO.

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