Thousands of school employees in Essex will not receive their monthly paycheck tomorrow after an error with the county council’s payroll system.

As many as 20,000 employees will have to wait until Tuesday, August 29, to receive their pay, which NUT general secretary in Essex Jerry Glazier says could leave some facing added bank charges.

The council has written to everyone affected with a full apology and has launched an investigation to work out how the error has occurred.

Mr Glazier said he expects the council to reimburse any employees who faces extra costs as a result of the payroll problem.

He said: “The fundamental point is that some teachers and other employees are likely to find themselves in a overdraft situation and I would expect the authority to reimburse legitimate costs that occur as a result.”

Councillor Louise McKinlay, Essex County Council’s cabinet member for Resources, said: “We are extremely sorry that this error happened and we have launched a full investigation to understand why it occurred and ensure it does not happen again.

“We will offer all the help, support and advice we are able to provide to affected schools employees tomorrow and will have a team standing by to deal with calls.

“Because the actual pay date for affected employees is Saturday August 26, standing orders and direct debits due then should be processed on Tuesday after the bank holiday, but we will be able to advise schools employees with any concerns they may have.”

The council’s payroll team will be on hand to offer information and advise to anyone affected by the problem from 8.30am to 4.30pm tomorrow, Friday, August 25, on 03330 135859.