PriyaPatelTLDR:
Bosses at Fujitsu, the Japanese tech firm, have apologised to the Post Office workers involved in the Horizon IT scandal and have said that the company will determine the amount of compensation to be paid once the public inquiry is complete. The Horizon IT software, manufactured by Fujitsu, falsely indicated that money was missing from post office operators’ shops, leading to wrongful convictions. The company’s UK subsidiary is cooperating with the ongoing statutory inquiry, and Fujitsu has stated that it is fully committed to supporting and cooperating with the investigation. The company will not bid for government contracts while the inquiry is underway.
The Post Office Horizon scandal refers to the wrongful convictions of post office operators arising from failures in the Horizon IT software, which was produced by Fujitsu. Bosses at the tech firm have offered their “deepest apologies” to those affected and have pledged to determine the appropriate compensation amount once the public inquiry into the scandal is complete. The company’s CFO, Takeshi Isobe, stated that Fujitsu regarded the matter with utmost seriousness and hoped for a swift resolution that would provide justice for the victims.
An inquiry into the scandal is currently being chaired by retired high court judge Sir Wyn Williams and began last year. The scandal gained significant public attention after the recent broadcast of the ITV drama “Mr. Bates vs the Post Office.” Fujitsu has stated that its global board of directors is closely overseeing the matter, and the company’s UK subsidiary is fully cooperating with the inquiry.
Fujitsu has confirmed that it will refrain from bidding for government contracts while the inquiry takes place. The company’s CFO emphasised the firm’s commitment to offering complete support and cooperation throughout the investigation. The scandal involves allegations that Horizon IT software falsely indicated that money was missing from post office operators’ shops, leading to wrongful convictions. Earlier this month, Fujitsu executives informed MPs that the company had a “moral obligation” to pay compensation but did not specify the amount that would be set aside.
