Post Office Scandal: 13 Workers Commit Suicide Due to Errors in Horizon Computer System

Strategic Insights -

Between 1999 and 2015, a staggering 1,000 people were wrongly accused of theft, fraud, and financial statement falsification due to a failure in the Fujitsu software used in the Horizon postal system. This devastating error led to massive job losses, ruined families, and even took lives. In fact, at least 13 post office workers committed suicide due to errors in the system, while another 59 admitted to contemplating suicide.

Key Takeaways:

  • The investigation found that both the Post Office and the developers of the program, Fujitsu, knew about potential errors in the system but ignored these risks.
  • The victims and their families have been officially recognized as victims of "unacceptable behavior," with around 10,000 people entitled to compensation.
  • The Post Office has apologized for its "shameful period in history" and acknowledged the suffering caused to its staff.
  • The scandal has been the subject of a recent ITV drama series, Mr Bates vs The Post Office, which highlighted the injustices faced by former Postmaster General Alan Bates and the founder of the Justice Movement.
  • Sir Wyn Williams, in his report, criticized the Post Office's "hostile attitude" to compensation proposals and the harsh treatment of assistant Postmasters.
  • The report found that the Post Office perpetuated the myth of infallibility for many years, ignoring the potential risks associated with the system.

Statistics:

  • At least 13 post office workers committed suicide due to errors in the Horizon computer system.
  • 59 more post office workers admitted to contemplating suicide.
  • Between 1999 and 2015, approximately 1,000 people were wrongly accused of theft, fraud, and financial statement falsification.
  • 10,000 people are entitled to compensation.
  • The investigation found a wave of mental health problems, bankruptcies, divorces, and even violence among the victims.

Sources:

  • The Sun, "Post Office scandal: 13 workers killed themselves after being wrongly accused of theft and fraud"
  • Sir Wyn Williams' report, published on July 8.
  • ITV, Mr Bates vs The Post Office (drama series).
  • Post Office's public apology, "We apologise unreservedly for the suffering caused to our staff."