Admission of Guilt and Apology from Fujitsu Europe Director
Fujitsu, the IT company responsible for the controversial Horizon software used by the UK Post Office, has issued a formal apology for its role in the scandal. Paul Patterson, the Europe Director of Fujitsu, acknowledged the company’s contribution to the miscarriage of justice and expressed deep regret before a committee of MPs investigating the matter. Patterson admitted that Fujitsu had bugs and errors in the Horizon system and provided assistance to the Post Office in prosecuting sub-postmasters, leading to wrongful accusations of theft and fraud.
Horizon Software Glitches and Wrongful Convictions
The Horizon software, provided by Fujitsu, implicated hundreds of sub-postmasters in erroneous accusations of theft, fraud, and false accounting. More than 700 individuals faced convictions based on faulty information from the system. After a prolonged legal battle, it was revealed that an IT glitch in the Horizon software was the actual cause of the errors. Patterson conceded that Fujitsu staff might have been aware of bugs and glitches in the system before 2010, contributing to the unjust prosecutions.
Commitment to Compensation and Damaged Reputation
While Fujitsu has not yet allocated funds for compensation, Patterson acknowledged the need to do so. He expressed the company’s commitment to engaging with the UK government to determine the appropriate compensation amount. Fujitsu’s reputation has suffered due to its involvement in the scandal, with Patterson admitting that the company’s brand and value in the UK are now in question. The executive highlighted the need for careful consideration before deciding whether Fujitsu would continue bidding for government contracts.
Ethical Evaluation and Future Scrutiny
When questioned about Fujitsu’s ethical standing, Patterson asserted that the company believes in ethical practices and emphasized its transformation since the early 2000s. The UK government plans to set aside £1 billion for compensating those wrongly convicted, acknowledging the severity of the miscarriage of justice. Fujitsu faces further scrutiny as its employees testify before politicians, exploring the extent of the company’s knowledge about software glitches and determining if their actions constitute perjury.
SOURCE: Ref Image from The Sun
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