The Post Office scandal has been described as a «scandal» both for the faults in the Horizon system and the delays in compensating victims.With Fujitsu now agreeing to talks on contributing to compensation, there is hope for some resolution for the sub-postmasters who were wrongly accused and convicted.Officials are engaging with Fujitsu to progress discussions on the contribution, acknowledging the involvement of multiple parties in the matter.The UK government appreciates Fujitsu’s commitment to its moral obligation and its continued focus on delivering public services in the country.Meanwhile, victims like Janet Walters continue to fight for fair compensation, describing the situation as an «utter disgrace» and a scandal due to the delays in redress. Fujitsu agrees to discuss contributing to victims’ compensation for Post Office scandal

PorStaff

Mar 7, 2025

Fujitsu has agreed to start discussions with the UK government regarding compensation for victims of the Post Office scandal.

During the years 1999-2015, hundreds of sub-postmasters were wrongly accused of theft from their branches.

Fujitsu was responsible for the faulty Horizon computer system that caused accounting errors leading to wrongful convictions. They also assisted the Post Office in its prosecutions.

Over a year ago, Fujitsu CEO Paul Patterson stated that the company had a «moral obligation» to help compensate the victims.

Today, Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds and Mr. Patterson had a «positive and constructive» meeting in Japan, where Fujitsu agreed to begin discussions on compensation.

The UK government «appreciates Fujitsu’s continued commitment to its moral obligation to contribute» to compensating the victims of the Horizon scandal, according to a joint statement.

Prior to the completion of the inquiry into the scandal, the two parties «agreed to advance discussions regarding Fujitsu’s contribution, recognizing the involvement of multiple parties,» the statement added.

Officials will «further engage with Fujitsu,» but the UK government will not provide a «running commentary» on the discussions, the statement noted.

It also expressed gratitude for Fujitsu’s involvement in the Post Office inquiry «and its ongoing commitment to fulfilling its public service obligations in the UK.»

‘Utter disgrace’

The widow of a Post Office scandal victim, who was offered compensation shortly after his death, condemned her situation as an «utter disgrace».

Janet Walters, 68, lost her husband Terry in February – a week before she received a letter offering «less than half» of his original compensation claim.

Terry Walters was among 555 sub-postmasters who successfully sued the Post Office in 2019.

Janet criticized the delay in compensation offers to many victims as another «scandal.»

«I have informed them that I will not accept [the offer],» Janet told Sky News. «I believe it is an utter disgrace.

«The handling of the Horizon system was scandalous, and the delay in providing redress is another scandal.»

Thousands waiting for compensation

New figures show more than £768m has been now paid to more than 5,100 victims across all redress schemes.

The Department for Business and Trade said this was a «more than tripling» of the total amount of redress paid since June 2024.

Read more:
Sub-postmasters still going through hell, says Alan Bates
Second Post Office IT scandal expands

There are, however, still hundreds waiting for compensation in the GLO (Group Litigation Order) scheme, with more than 200 yet to receive full redress.

There are also more than 4,000 yet to be paid in the Horizon Shortfall Scheme (HSS), although since last month, over 700 have received compensation.

In a separate statement after the meeting in Japan, Mr Reynolds said: «We must never forget the lives ruined by the Horizon scandal and no amount of redress can take away that pain. But justice can and must be done.

«This government is determined to hold those responsible to account and will continue to make rapid progress on compensation and redress.

«Since we took office, we have more than tripled the total amount of redress paid to victims, and today we took another significant step towards justice.»

As the inquiry into the Post Office scandal nears completion, discussions regarding Fujitsu’s contribution are progressing. The UK government is engaging with Fujitsu, but will not provide a running commentary on the discussions. The government appreciates Fujitsu’s involvement in the inquiry and commitment to public services in the UK.

Janet Walters, the widow of a Post Office scandal victim, received a compensation offer after her husband’s death, which she described as an «utter disgrace.» She refused the offer, highlighting the lengthy wait for compensation faced by many victims. Janet criticized the handling of the Horizon system scandal and the delay in providing redress to victims.

Terry Walters was among the sub-postmasters who won a legal battle against the Post Office in 2019. Janet Walters expressed her outrage at the situation and called for accountability for the injustices faced by victims.

Progress in Compensation for Post Office Scandal Victims

New data reveals that over £768 million has been distributed to more than 5,100 victims through various redress schemes. The Department for Business and Trade reported a significant increase in the total amount of redress paid since June 2024, more than tripling the previous figures.

Despite this progress, there are still numerous individuals awaiting compensation under the Group Litigation Order (GLO) scheme, with more than 200 individuals yet to receive full redress. Additionally, over 4,000 individuals are still awaiting payments in the Horizon Shortfall Scheme (HSS), although over 700 have received compensation in the past month.

Efforts to Seek Justice

Following a meeting in Japan, Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds emphasized the government’s commitment to seeking justice for victims of the Horizon scandal. Reynolds stated, «We must never forget the lives ruined by the Horizon scandal and no amount of redress can take away that pain. But justice can and must be done.»

He further asserted, «This government is determined to hold those responsible to account and will continue to make rapid progress on compensation and redress. Since we took office, we have more than tripled the total amount of redress paid to victims, and today we took another significant step towards justice.»

Fujitsu’s Contribution to Compensation

Fujitsu, the company responsible for developing the faulty Horizon computer system, has agreed to enter into discussions with the UK government regarding contributing to compensation for victims of the Post Office scandal. The Horizon system caused erroneous shortfalls in accounting, leading to false accusations and wrongful convictions of sub-postmasters between 1999 and 2015.

Paul Patterson, the boss of Fujitsu, previously acknowledged the company’s «moral obligation» to assist in redress for victims. Following a meeting in Japan between Patterson and Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds, Fujitsu has committed to initiating talks on compensation.

Government Response

A joint statement issued after the meeting expressed the UK government’s appreciation for Fujitsu’s commitment to fulfilling its moral obligation to contribute to compensation for victims of the Horizon scandal. The government views this as a positive step towards addressing the injustices faced by those affected.

Conclusion

The ongoing efforts to provide compensation and redress to victims of the Post Office scandal demonstrate a commitment to seeking justice and accountability. With significant progress made in distributing redress payments and Fujitsu’s pledge to contribute to compensation, steps are being taken to address the grievances of those impacted by the Horizon scandal.

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