Post Office scandal: Fujitsu continues to benefit from public contracts, MPs find
Fujitsu, the IT company at the heart of the Post Office scandal, has continued to benefit from substantial public contracts despite not contributing to the redress bill, an investigation by MPs has found.
A report published by the Business and Trade Committee today has found that thousands of sub-postmasters are still waiting for compensation.
It says “serious structural failings persist” in the redress system, and many victims still face unacceptable delays, inadequate offers, and administrative processes that “re‑traumatise” those who have already been seriously wronged.
More than 900 sub-postmasters were given criminal convictions after faulty Fujitsu accounting software made it appear as though money was missing from their shops.
Many more like Bridlington’s Lee Castleton were left destitute, losing their homes and livelihoods, as the Post Office relentlessly pursued them, continually claiming there were no issues with its computer system.
Janet Skinner, who ran a Post Office in Hull, lost her job, her house and her reputation when she was jailed for supposedly missing £59,000. Her conviction, described as an “affront to justice”, has since been quashed.
Despite its “central role in one of the greatest miscarriages of justice in British history”, according to the BTC, Fujitsu has contributed nothing to the £2bn redress bill and continues to benefit from government contracts.
Committee chair Liam Byrne MP said: “For hundreds of sub-postmasters, justice has come far too slowly.
“Many have waited years for the truth to be recognised and for the compensation they are owed.
“Yet today we find serious structural failings still blocking the road to justice.
“Worse, Fujitsu has yet to contribute a penny to the nearly £2 billion redress bill, even as it continues to benefit from public contracts. That cannot continue.
“It is simply wrong that taxpayers are covering the costs for Fujitsu’s sins while Fujitsu is still profiting from taxpayers funded contracts.”
A Fujitsu spokesperson said: “We continue to work with the UK Government to ensure we adhere to the voluntary restrictions we put in place regarding bidding for new contracts while the Post Office Inquiry is ongoing, and are engaged with Government regarding Fujitsu’s contribution to compensation.”