Has anyone got an alternative number for them please. For a time this morning it was closed according to their recorded message at 10am even though it said they open at 8.30. For the rest of the day it's just been a message to ring later as they're busy.

They've made a small butty out of us today as some revenue from this 0845 number will be paid to them.

Had the same problem, made 22 calls and never got to speak to a human!
and are they also now striking for two days?

yep think so if "...we're sorry but due to circumstances beyond our control we are unable to take your calls..." is anything to go by this morning.

Anmyone any idea how much they get from each 0845 call ?

£268,000 according to Rightsnet on 29 September 2006.

Thats in total rather than per call (obviously).

How many phone lines do they have? Do they have a queuing system?
Exactly what is the geographical region that Chorlton covers?

Are questions that may be worth asking DWP managers.

For us down West, from deepest Cornwall to Bristol and its environs, we've been spoilt with 12 whole phone lines no queuing system. Although we have been promised a new system round about now that can carry a bigger call load.