Fujitsu Directed to Provide Compensation in Response to Post Office Horizon Scandal

A former postal minister, Paul Scully, has proposed that Fujitsu should compensate victims affected by the faulty Post Office Horizon IT system, leading to over 700 staff members facing wrongful convictions. The Post Office scandal, marked by inaccuracies in financial discrepancies due to system errors, has prompted the government to expedite the exoneration process for sub-postmasters who were unjustly jailed for offenses such as theft, fraud, and false accounting.

 

Amid the ongoing independent public statutory inquiry into the Post Office's conduct, former CEO Paula Vennells returned her CBE following public pressure. Attention is now shifting to Fujitsu's role in the scandal, questioning the continued contract for the Horizon system and the potential need for compensation to victims. Scully emphasized the necessity of a new system and contractor for the Post Office.

 

Despite challenges in replacing the aging Horizon system overnight, Scully acknowledged the need for substantial funding. Questions have been raised about Fujitsu's ongoing contracts with the Post Office, with the company reportedly receiving significant annual payments. While the Post Office aims to transition away from Horizon, concerns persist about Fujitsu's role and accountability.

 

The scandal, spanning several years with only 94 convictions overturned so far, gained renewed attention through the TV drama "Mr Bates vs The Post Office." This portrayal of the impact on staff members' lives has sparked discussions in Parliament about accountability for both the Post Office and Fujitsu.

 

MPs have raised concerns about the number of contracts awarded to Fujitsu by the government, even after the Post Office ceased prosecuting staff over accounting discrepancies caused by Horizon's faulty software. Calls for a review of Fujitsu's actions and accountabilities, as well as potential repercussions, have intensified.

 

Fujitsu, while expressing commitment to supporting the ongoing inquiry, has refrained from commenting further at this time. Meanwhile, the Commons business and trade select committee has urged Fujitsu bosses to testify in parliament regarding their role in the scandal and their continued acceptance of public contracts. The government emphasizes the need for the inquiry to conclude before determining further actions against individuals or organizations involved.

 

PM Law

Sheffield Solicitors