Summary
Fujitsu is under scrutiny for continuing to profit from government contracts following the Horizon scandal, where its software led to wrongful prosecutions of over 900 sub-postmasters. The company's European chief, Paul Patterson, told MPs that Fujitsu will not bid for new UK contracts until an ongoing inquiry concludes, but he refused to disclose how much Fujitsu would contribute to a victim compensation fund. The UK government has set aside £1.8 billion for redress, with Fujitsu promising to contribute after the inquiry's findings are published.
Key Facts
- Fujitsu's software was involved in wrongful prosecutions of over 900 sub-postmasters.
- Paul Patterson, European boss of Fujitsu, spoke to MPs about the issue.
- The UK government extended Fujitsu contracts by £500 million despite the scandal.
- Fujitsu has promised to contribute to a £1.8 billion compensation fund but hasn't specified an amount.
- Fujitsu will not seek new UK public contracts until an inquiry on the scandal is finished.
- More than £1.4 billion has already been distributed to victims from the compensation fund.
- Fujitsu has a long-term presence in the UK, employing around 5,000 people.
- Fujitsu has stated that it extended its contract with the Post Office at the government's request.
