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Volume 1 of the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry’s final report was published yesterday. You can read it in full, here.
The report underlines the trauma experienced by the sub-postmasters and the people around them. It is not known when Volume 2 will be published, but given the complexities of the content, it could be 2026 before we see it. Indeed, Sir Wyn Willams says: “As later volumes of my Report will demonstrate, all of these people are properly to be regarded as victims of wholly unacceptable behaviour perpetrated by a number of individuals employed by and/or associated with the Post Office and Fujitsu from time to time and by the Post Office and Fujitsu as institutions.” However, he clarifies that the phrase “wholly unacceptable behaviour” doesn’t necessarily mean that “persons or the Post Office committed crimes or would be liable in civil proceedings”.
It’s clear issues around Horizon stretch back to the very beginning. The system began life as what is now usually referred to as “Legacy Horizon”. It was developed for, and supplied to, the Post Office through ICL Pathway Limited. Fujitsu became the sole shareholder of ICL in 1998, dropping the brand in 2002. The report says: "Prior to roll out, some employees of Fujitsu had discovered that Legacy Horizon was capable of producing data which was false." The newer version of Horizon, known as “HNG – X” or “Horizon Online”, was also, “from time to time, afflicted by bugs, errors and defects.” Sir Wyn Willams says he is “satisfied that a number of employees of Fujitsu and the Post Office knew that this was so".
A spokesperson from Fujitsu Services Ltd said: “We welcome the publication of the first volume of the Inquiry’s report and are considering its recommendations. We have apologised for, and deeply regret, our role in sub-postmasters’ suffering, and we wish to reiterate that apology today. We hope for a swift resolution that ensures a just outcome for the victims. We remain committed to providing our full cooperation to the Inquiry as Sir Wyn prepares his final report and we are engaged with Government regarding Fujitsu’s contribution to compensation.”
The report estimates that there are c.10,000 people who are eligible to make claims for financial redress but it suggests the number could rise. The Department of Business and Trade, Fujitsu, and the Post Office (either together or separately) have until the end of October to produce a report/reports outlining a programme of restorative justice. Meanwhile, this all hangs like a heavy cloud over the Fujitsu business. It has had (and will continue to have) commercial and morale implications for the UK business and staff, while also causing delays to strategic investments.
Read our analysis of the firm’s performance and prospects in UK SITS Supplier Rankings 2025.
Posted by: Kate Hanaghan at 10:45
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Horizon