THOUSANDS of workers across Hampshire found they hadn't been paid yesterday because of a bodged job by the banking system at DIY giant B&Q.

The company did not reveal how many workers were affected but about 2,000 employees at the firm's split-site Chandler's Ford headquarters were among those missing their monthly pay cheque yesterday.

The mistake could mean workers with too little money in their accounts to cover direct debits and standing orders are hit with bank charges.

But red-faced B&Q bosses have vowed to cover all costs incurred by staff over the mix-up. Banks also said they would look kindly on workers in difficulties because of the mistake.

Hampshire area director for Barclays Julie Williams said: "I would advise anyone in this difficult situation to contact their bank immediately so we can put in place processes to ensure they are not disadvantaged."

B&Q put the incident down to gremlins in the system and said workers were "understanding".

"This is a very rare occurrence and we are looking after the situation as best we can," a B&Q spokesman said yesterday. "The payment is a day late. There has been a technical problem with the banking system.

"We have communicated with everybody and said that any charges incurred or costs incurred as a result of this will be repaid."