HMRC systems downed by upgrades

[AtW]

The benefits and tax systems are suffering lengthy downtime for upgrade work this week and over the weekend.

Our tipster says some of the work hasn't gone very well, specifically in relation to changes to Cisco gear.

Callers to HMRC offices are being advised to try again next week as a result.

"HMRC have planned upgrades to several of our IT systems to reflect process and legislative changes to the taxation system, which is due to start this week and will continue over the weekend," a government spokesman said today.

"We are also scheduled to upgrade other HMRC systems over the weekend. Anyone calling contact centres will hear a message explaining the situation, however, we apologise for the inconvenience caused."

The systems have been up and down since Tuesday.

Source: HMRC systems downed by upgrades ? The Register

[Zippy]

To HMRC: Please note that Zippy is experiencing significant downtime due to planned upgrades and tax payment process enhancements. Please try collecting again next week.

I bet that would work

[Saddo]

I heard a rumour that it was the new shadow chancellor of the exchequro practicing with some new numbers, and someone forgot to inform him that it isn't a scientific computer (i.e. no imaginery number crunching).