Computers make mistakes... That's a given... But rarely has there been a computer to match the delightful abilities of the fondly-remembered computer which was installed by the Avon County Council in 1975 to pay staff wages. Efficiency was the word, and no human being could compete with a computer! At least, that's what they thought!
The computer began, at first, to make small mistakes, such as paying a school caretaker £75 an hour instead of his regular hourly wage of 75 pence. Then, one of the canteen workers was not paid at all for seven whole weeks!
One lucky janitor was paid £2,600 for one week's work. However, honesty prevailed and he returned the check. Not to be out-done, the computer immediately sent out another check, for the same amount, by return post!
The computer gradually gained momentum. A deputy headmistress suddenly began receiving a full year's salary every month. The department heads earned less than their assistants and some people had more tax deducted in one week than they earned all year! Heavy taxation has been around for a long time, but...really, now!
Of the 280 people on the Council payroll, only 8 had been paid the correct salary. They all went on strike.
