More than half a million pounds of public money is to be spent on helping North Yorkshire businesses prepare for the Millennium Bug.

And the North Yorkshire Training and Enterprise Council, which is putting up the money along with central government, has urged businesses in the county to take their heads out of the sand and face up to the problem.

The Millennium Bug problem arises from the fact that most computer systems will not be able to deal with dates starting 2000, registering it as the year 00 instead. This will cause problems with virtually every type of computer system, from software like databases and spreadsheets, to switchboards, lifts, air-conditioning units, bar-coding systems and production lines, unless they are made "2000 compliant".

The North Yorkshire TEC will use the money to provide a range of Millennium Bug services, including training for companies, a Millennium Bug website offering advice, and a new Millennium Bug helpline.

Training grants are now on offer to help small businesses train staff to be aware of the problem.

The TEC has warned that already errors are cropping up in companies' sales projections, stock control and financial figures because they cannot deal with dates in the new millennium.

Glyn Owen, from the TEC, warned businesses that they needed to work in partnership with the companies supplying their equipment.

"Unfortunately there are no simple fixes. The onus is on companies to carry out their own year 2000 audit and work with suppliers to identify potential problems."

The TEC's helpline will be in operation from Monday, on 0808 1008888.

Websites with Millennium Bug information

www.nyorks-tec.co.uk

www.y2k.co.uk

www.year2000.co.uk

www.taskforce2000.co.uk/index4.htm

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