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A subpostmistress from Scotland is at risk of losing her home and business, as the Post Office continues to demand shortfall payments due to issues with the Horizon software system.
Marlene Wood, who is 53 years old, shared that dealing with issues in the Horizon IT system has become a regular part of her work week. She believes that she has lost around £2,000 in the past four and a half years because of the system’s malfunctioning.
Mrs. Wood was recently sent a letter, obtained by The Independent, that requests her to address the difference of £440.43 at her Comrie Crieff branch in Perthshire, Scotland. The letter outlines the different payment options available to her.
Mrs Wood stated that she has personally covered any payment discrepancies in the past, as the dispute process is “quite burdensome and not very advantageous.”
Alan Bates, the head of the campaign for justice for subpostmasters, is providing testimony via video call to the Business and Trade Committee.
If you are a confident and knowledgeable individual who is willing to go through the entire process, then that is excellent.
“I am currently experiencing a separation as a result of my failing business. I am at risk of losing it, and it is not just a perceived danger,” she stated.
In the last twenty years, numerous subpostmasters and postmistresses were charged with theft and falsifying records due to a defective IT system created by Fujitsu. The system incorrectly showed that money was absent from their post office branches, resulting in the loss of their homes, reputations, and marriages. Tragically, some even resorted to taking their own lives.
Paul Patterson, the European director of Fujitsu, testified on Friday at the public inquiry regarding the scandal. He stated that the Horizon IT system had been plagued with bugs, errors, and defects for almost twenty years and that all parties were aware of this.
In 2019, certain claimants were finally compensated after the UK high court determined that there were flaws in the Horizon system.
Despite ongoing reports of issues, the Post Office has chosen to maintain its use of the Horizon system, renewing its contract twice – first in 2021 and then again in 2023.
However, Mrs. Wood, who has not been charged for the inconsistencies, alleges that she continues to encounter frequent issues with the program, resulting in significant financial and emotional distress.
Paul Patterson expressed regret on behalf of Fujitsu for their involvement in the “horrendous miscarriage of justice.”
She stated that it has led her to troubling situations. She feels the weight of the bank’s expectations and the constant pressure to persevere every day.
I have deeply considered taking my own life and it is not a decision I have made lightly. If my business fails, I will also lose my home. It’s a straightforward situation.
Mr. Patterson publicly apologized on Tuesday to the victims of the scandal, stating that he is deeply remorseful and acknowledging the firm’s responsibility to assist in compensating those affected.
Mr. Patterson acknowledged the company’s role in “this terrible injustice” and admitted, “We have been involved since the beginning.”
Mrs Wood stated to The Independent that she is of the belief that their apology is only a result of being caught in a compromising situation. She also added that it seems like an attempt to rectify the situation after it has already occurred.
The subpostmistress was upset that Paula Vennells, former chief executive of the Post Office, was given a CBE despite her involvement in the scandal.
Paula Vennells, the former CEO of the Post Office, has announced that she will give back her CBE in response to public criticism surrounding the Horizon IT controversy.
Individuals such as Paula Vennells are shamed and subsequently offered lucrative director positions or other high-paying roles, earning hundreds of thousands of dollars.
I will not be given a director position. I will lose everything. I have put in effort and followed the guidelines, but this feels like a huge insult.
A representative from the Post Office issued an apology for the ongoing problems faced by Mrs. Wood, but assured that the new Horizon system is now strong in comparison to similar systems.
We are constantly striving to improve and are actively collaborating with our postmasters to achieve this. We urge current postmasters who have any concerns about the Horizon system to bring them to our attention, including speaking directly with their area manager, so we can offer assistance.
Fujitsu stated that they are taking this issue very seriously and extends their sincerest apologies to the subpostmasters and their families.
Our UK subsidiary is fully cooperating with the UK statutory public inquiry, which is investigating a series of intricate events that have occurred over a long period of time. We are dedicated to continuing this cooperation.
After examining the results of the investigation, we will collaborate with the UK government to determine the necessary steps, such as providing compensation. The Fujitsu Group desires a quick resolution that will ensure fairness for those affected.
Source: independent.co.uk
