Thousands of banking customers are still facing delays to payments as an technical issue with Ulster Bank affects lodgements to accounts.

The technical issue, which began earlier this week, is delaying payments including salary and social welfare lodgements from appearing in the accounts by a day, although customers can access money already in their accounts through branches. ATM and Anytime services are also operational, but are reflecting the one-day delay.

Ulster Bank said up to 100,000 customers may have been affected by the problem.

In a statement this evening, the bank said it was still experiencing a major technical issue and that it had been working through the day to minimise the impact for our customers and customers of other banks.

Apologising again, the bank said it would insure those affected would not suffer any financial loss.

Ulster Bank said it would keep some 80 branches open tomorrow until 7pm in major towns and cities to assist customers and that its 60 Saturday opening branches will open as usual this weekend.

The bank added ATM and Anytime Internet and Mobile Banking services are available "but are reflecting the one-day delay in customers’ balances".

Ulster Bank said delayed lodgements made overnight on Tuesday have now reached accounts.

The HSE today informed staff that the technical glitch may delay the lodgement of salary payments due to be made to some staff. In a statement, it said it would update staff as soon as further information became available.

It is understood that the problem will affect only some HSE staff, as different payroll set-ups mean some are paid weekly, while others are on a fortnightly and monthly payroll.

The problem is affecting both UK and Irish organisations.

Earlier today, Ulster Bank apologised for the “significant impact” it was having on customers.