Troops hit by wages error
Hundreds of troops have been hit by the computer error, reports claim.
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Monday, 19, Nov 2007 10:38
British servicemen fighting in Afghanistan have seen their pay incorrectly docked by a faulty computerised system, according to new reports.
The Daily Telegraph claims around 300 troops have been hit by errors in the new Joint Personnel Administration (JPA) system.
The £269 million payment software was introduced to synchronise the forces' £6 billion annual wage bill, but miscalculations have left the servicemen - including Special Boat Service (SBS) troops operating in Afghanistan - with incomplete pay checks.
The SBS commandos have since raised their grievance to Admiral Lord Boyce, the former head of the armed forces, during his recent visit to Afghanistan.
"It must be a worry for those not getting the pay they have expected because their mortgages might be in danger or they might not be able to pay bills," Lord Boyce told the newspaper.
"That might play on people's minds and affect operational efficiency," he added, calling the error "very unsatisfactory".
The Telegraph claims the affected SBS troops have been forced to rely on a welfare fund set up by friends of their unit.
A Ministry of Defence spokesman commented: "We are aware that there have been some issues with the rollout of JPA. We would like to apologise to any individuals who may have been inconvenienced."
He added that troops hit by the computer error can contact their pay office to resolve the issue and receive a wages advance if necessary.
The servicemen's wives are able to do the same should their husbands be on active operations, he explained.