A nationwide computer problem is causing delays for people with benefit enquiries.

About a quarter of the Work and Income department's staff are unable to log onto their computers.

The problem has also hit Child Youth and Family, and the Ministry of Social Policy.

The three departments employ 8000 staff, 2000 of whom are unable to connect to the department's system.

Ministry spokesperson Tom Bridgman said the problem will cause delays for people applying for a welfare benefit or who have a problem with their benefit.

He said the Ministry's computer staff have isolated the software problem and are working on it.

© NewsRoom 2001

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-- Anonymous, July 24, 2001