The Pensions Ombudsman (TPO) has restored certain services, including the LiveChat and online application forms, after previously suspending these systems to respond to a cyber incident.

TPO revealed in June that it had disabled some systems as a precautionary measure while it worked to investigate a cyber incident, with members instead told to get in touch via the ombudsman's phone lines or email options.

In an update since, TPO confirmed that it has been working with the relevant agencies, including the National Cyber Security Centre, to respond to this cyber incident.

As a result of this work, TPO has restored the previously suspended services, although it warned that there may be some service delays while it works through recent enquiries and applications.

TPO stated: “As a precautionary measure, access to some systems was disabled which temporarily impacted on our ability to deliver services and manage enquiries from the public.

“Our priority has been to restore services securely and safely and we are pleased to confirm that services have been restored.

"There may be some service delays while we work through recent enquiries and applications. We apologise for any inconvenience."

In light of the potential delays expected, however, the ombudsman also confirmed that, wherever possible, it will use its discretion to expand the time limits for new applicants affected if it has not allowed them to apply within the legislative limits.

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