Barclay's Babel Turns to More Sullen Silence

When we use language to communicate it does require us all to share the meaning embedded within the words and phrases that are used. Often people say, "It's just semantics." But what else do we have? Mr White, the man who speaks for Barclays has once more been misunderstood. 


Mr White requested an explanation as to why my husband's cognitive functions were hampered by his brain tumour.  I did my best to explain the necessity of a fully functioning brain for optimum cognition hoping there might be a chance that he would understand. But he didn't. He had no empathy whatsoever with my husband's struggle, nor did he care about my distress as we approach the anniversary of Paul's death.

More difficult than just failing to understand the effect a brain tumour can have on cognition was the fact that after receiving my answers to his questions White then created a perception that something might happen as regards my late husband's pension.  On 1st March Colin White wrote;

"... I would anticipate a response being issued by 17th March.If there is a delay for any reason, I will let you know."

I assumed that meant that I would hear something from Barclays by 17th March, either a final answer or a statement informing me that there was going to be another delay.

I was wrong. 

The problem is White must have meant something else altogether, and I have no idea what it was. 

He isn't about to explain. 

On 21st March I emailed to ask him when I might hear some news of Paul's pension. All I received was an out of office reply telling me White was away and advising of a telephone number for Tom Smith, a man I could call if I needed assistance. When I called that number the person answering the phone said they were just passing by an empty desk, they knew nothing about Colin White or his colleague Tom Smith.

On the 28th February I had raised a few questions of my own when I wrote;

1. I am now convinced that The Barclays Team set him up for failure and would very much appreciate an unequivocal statement from Barclays as to whether the advice to Paul that he should log onto the system and download the necessary forms was in fact correct. Can you provide me with this?

2. If Mr Malone knows that my husband was given advice as to how he could obtain the necessary forms, but he just failed to do so please tell me what that advice was, when it was sent to Paul and by what method, because I saw nothing other than the email telling him to log on. Will you do that?

3. I would like to know why the forms he needed were not sent to him immediately the 2015 QROPS error was acknowledged. Can you explain why the forms weren't sent?

4. What is your end date for Stage 2?

So far it's been a one way street as regards questions. I've answered Barclay's questions, and in return they have presented me with nothing but a sullen silence.