I’m cracking up

Just seen this thread gillybob. I hope you've managed to get through and sort out your bounce back loan. Such a difficult and worrying time for you.

Hope this can be useful to either your family or employees

I actually had my bank on the phone today asking if there was anything they could do to help me at this difficult time.
That is a first.

The only thing I can suggest is perhaps try ringing about 10-15 minutes before they close....good luck

Oh Gilly I feel for you and understand where you are coming from. Some of our clients can't get anything either and waiting for furlough wages coming through. It was a joke though, told us monday to apply, and then say on Wednesday it had to be in by Midnight to be paid the week after, and its not easy to apply either, I have been tearing my hair out and getting very stressed at work, and thats not me!!! Not to mention all my other work is building up grrr. Think the government come up with these schemes and on paper are good, but no in reality, they obviously don't talk to people on the ground. Really hope you get sorted soon and I would also suggest you contact your MP, they need to know what is happening to small business.

You must be one strong lady can't help but sending virtual hug and?

So sorry you are having yet another struggle.

Have you got automatic redial and speakerphone on your system. At least you can then get on with something else.

Hopefully you’ll be able to get help from the other sources suggested.

So many businesses are being swamped with enquiries, and have less staff to deal with them. I’m sure that they are doing their best, but that’s no consolation to you, and all the others trying to access help. I feel especially sorry for people struggling to feed their families.
I can’t offer any fresh ideas, Gilly, but just hope that you get sorted out very soon. Worrying on behalf of your employees is even worse than worrying about yourself, I’m sure. You must be at your wit’s end.

I'm not sure where the first part of my post went to! It started: I submit my RTI monthly and have a Gateway number which you must have requested first for this process.

Tough times gillybob, continuing. I feel for you, such a long period of relentless tough times. Keep strong x

each month on line and had an email from the Government before furloughing started to say what would happen. I made my claim on 20th April and the money was in my bank the following Monday. You do need to use your Gateway access code. So sorry about the bank, that must be another huge pressure for you. Thankfully we haven't needed to use that yet. Hope you are sorted now!

Wish I could help Gillybob it's such a difficult time for you, can you take a break for a while and do something relaxing then go back to trying to contact the bank.
Sending positive vibes your way, take care.

I am sure banks have been completely inundated with worried people desperate to get in touch but of course that’s no consolation for those whose emails and phone calls go unanswered.

I’m not trying to defend financial establishments at all but I am sure they will have to very carefully investigate each application for a loan to make sure the business wasn’t in trouble before the coronavirus outbreak.

All of this will take time.

My situation was much simpler but my bank suspended my bank card at the start of lockdown. They suspected fraudulent activity. Thankfully this wasn’t the case but I’m glad they are proactive.
However, like you @Gillybob, I just could not get through to the bank. I had cash but needed my bank card for online purchases.
I eventually got through after a 10 minute wait at 03:00 when I couldn’t sleep.
If it’s possible or practical could you phone in the small hours?
Sorry I haven’t read the whole thread so you may have tried this.
Sending best wishes for you in this difficult time.

..hugs and hope to you ..?

Have you seen the ads on tv from banks saying how helpful they are being!!!!
I've definitely seen Nationwide and Barclays.
Good luck gillybob

gillybob, I can't offer any useful advice, but sending virtual hugs and

If you furlough staff don't they apply for payments individually. Keep going though you will succeed. There has been loads of media attention about problems accessing monies and no doubt you have seen this. Suggest you email or if possible speak with your MP about situation. A.azibg what happens when they become involved.

Have you made contact with your local Chamber of Commerce? They can usually point you in the direction of appropriate advice. Also definitely contact your local MP whose office may be able to help. Good luck.

I am afraid I cant help you other than to say, you are a stong person and you will get through this.We are in this group strong together, and have been through other things ( not as bad as this) and will survive, if only help was more available.Waiting for hours to get through to people is the most frustrating thing I have ever done,I am sure you will get through to somebody who will be able to help.Sending hugs.

Sorry that I can't be of help to you, but please know that you have the virtual support of many of us who have followed your hard journey over the past months.

On this current problem, keep trying to access these people, also try contacting your local media & M.P. ( who is your M.P. in your area.?)

You are so thoughtful & kind to others, we are all behind you during this difficult time.

Another staunch supporter here - have you contacted your local media and political bods?

Insist. Can you apply online? Your local paper is a good place to start, along with consumer rights bodies.

Keep going. Work out a plan. Speak to your employees. There must be business support groups? People who can give you some tips? The most important thing about the phone lines is to keep at it, just keep redialing. Good luck x

hugs

Have you got a branch of your bank nearby? I'd go and bang on the door to see someone. (I've been to mine, the doors were shut but I rang the bell and they let me in.)