Katie Watson, the daughter of a Post Office victim, is seeking compensation from Fujitsu, the IT company behind the faulty accounting software Horizon. Her mother, Fiona, was falsely accused of stealing from her branch in 2004 while battling terminal cancer. The investigation into her alleged theft continued despite her illness, leading to a decline in her health and ultimately her passing.
The Post Office scandal, which occurred between 1999 and 2015, saw hundreds of sub-postmasters wrongfully accused of theft due to the flawed Horizon software. Fujitsu, the developer of the software, has acknowledged its moral obligation to help the victims and their families. However, Katie Watson believes that Fujitsu needs to take concrete action to compensate the victims and their families.
Paul Patterson, Fujitsu’s European head, has expressed a willingness to engage with the victims and their families. Despite this, there has been limited progress in providing compensation or support beyond financial redress. The campaign group Lost Chances, of which Katie Watson is a part, is advocating for a family fund to provide additional support to those affected by the scandal.
Following her mother’s wrongful accusation and subsequent death, Katie Watson had to start working at a young age to support her family. She missed out on educational opportunities and a traditional childhood due to the financial hardships her family faced. Despite working two jobs seven days a week, she acknowledges that the loss her family experienced cannot be fully recovered, but she hopes that Fujitsu will take responsibility for their role in the scandal.
In response to the ongoing scandal, the Post Office has issued an apology to the victims and their families. They are working to transform the organization and provide support to those impacted by the scandal. The final phase of the inquiry is nearing completion, with discussions ongoing about the extent of Fujitsu’s responsibility in offering redress to the victims.
The Post Office scandal has had far-reaching consequences for the victims and their families, with many facing financial hardships, emotional distress, and missed opportunities. As the inquiry into the scandal progresses, it is essential for all involved parties, including Fujitsu, to take concrete steps towards providing meaningful support and compensation to those affected.
