Computer system failure sees post offices struggle to serve customers

UK-wide disruption in Post Office branches this morning was due to a computer system problem which meant staff were unable to serve customers at counters.

Grangemouth Post Office has been forced to close this morning due to a national computer system failure

The difficulties were announced on the Post Office’s Twitter page.

The post read: “Heading to branch? Some are currently unable to serve customers at the counter, which we're working hard to sort. We'll keep you updated.”

On the Grangemouth Post Office Facebook page it confirmed the issue was related to a computer system failure, adding: “Due to computer failure we have had to close temporarily, this is a national issue. Hopefully be open shortly.”

The Post Office has since confirmed that branches, including Grangemouth, which were forced to close are now reopen and the issues are being investigated.

A spokesperson said: “We’re aware that some of our branches are currently unable to serve customers at the counter and we’re investigating this as a matter of urgency. Our self-service kiosks remain unaffected and our priority is to continue serving customers and restoring our sales system as soon as possible.”

Many took to Twitter to express their frustrations.

One user said: “What will happen to parcels held in limbo? I paid as the system went down, clerk wouldn’t return my parcels OR give me any kind of written evidence that I paid in full so I’m now stuck. They’re for my business, so worried.”

More updates to follow.

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