Fujitsu and Post Office dispute over Horizon data requests

In May 2024, Fujitsu began mandating that the Post Office clarify whether requests for data from its Horizon IT system would relate to investigations of potential impropriety against branch owner-operators. This move drew immediate objections from the Post Office, whose executives argued that the inquiries were unwarranted and overly broad. They highlighted that the Post Office typically does not take action against postmasters and viewed the questions as irrelevant to their operations. The introduction of these stipulations has raised alarms within the Post Office, set against a backdrop of past investigations where branch owner-operators were wrongfully pursued based on evidence deemed unreliable from the Horizon system. This ongoing conflict intensified as Post Office leadership sought Fujitsu's cooperation in police probes, leading to concerns from Fujitsu’s management about the Post Office's enforcement strategies against its operators. Notably, the inquiry also revealed the Post Office's plans to potentially resume legal actions against branch owner-operators for civil recovery of losses, which were previously halted. This shift, along with the new questions on data use, highlights the complex and contentious relationship between the Post Office and Fujitsu, emphasizing systemic issues within the organization's handling of data and its impacts on personnel. As the inquiry continues to unfold, it sheds light on the significant cultural and operational challenges both entities face, with broader implications for the treatment of postmasters and the reliability of the Horizon IT system itself.