Is it just me, or does anyone else get frustrated, annoyed or on occasion absolutely furious when dealing with 'The Other Side'. By which, I mean, those employees who are fortunate to have 'Guide-lines' and 'Targets' that in the REAL world would be a short route to bankruptcy!
My experience this week was as follows!
Tried calling the Inland Revenue at Minden House in Bury. I wanted to confirm that they had received paperwork which I sent to them in relation to my tax code. Call centre member of staff explained... It could be six weeks before anything you sent last week is dealt with.."No", I explained, "I don't need a reply, I just want to know that the documents have been received"
"Sorry, can't tell you" says nice young lady.. "As I've said, there is a 6 week response time in our guidelines"...
"ok", says I, " What happens if in 6 weeks time, you tell me that you haven't received the paperwork?"
"In that unlikely event, then you could send it again"...she suggested.
"What! Then wait ANOTHER six weeks to find out if you've received it. This is MADNESS!"
"Well," she continued "It is a pretty busy time of year. All the applications for tax rebate for last tax year are flooding in at the moment, so things are even slower than usual"
"Can I e-mail the details then?"
"No e-mail facility, sorry"
"Can I call in to Minden Place, hand the information in and get a receipt?"
"You could go to Minden House, but without an appointment, it's unlikely anyone would give you a receipt for something. If I make you an appointment, it won't be for the next few weeks because the appointment system is very busy!"
"This is absolutely rediculous!" I replied..
"I can appreciate that you're unhappy with the information that I've given you, if you wish to complain in writing, then that is your perogative"
"What's the point"., I say..."The darn thing won't be looked at for 6 weeks!"