Why anyone who works in IT should watch ITV’s Mr Bates v The Post Office.
The Horizon Scandal: A Sobering Reminder of the Impact of IT Errors.
In the world of non-safety critical IT platforms, it’s tempting to believe that mistakes carry minimal consequences. However, if you’re in the UK, ITV’s compelling docu-drama “Mr. Bates v The Post Office” sheds light on the harrowing tale of the Horizon system, used by local Post Office branches from 2000 to 2014.
The Horizon system’s errors led to 736 managers facing criminal convictions for financial fraud, highlighting the significant repercussions of flaws in non-safety critical IT. The Post Office’s reliance on Horizon resulted in false accusations against subpostmasters, triggering a cascade of injustices.
Subpostmasters, dealing with shortfalls, resorted to personal funds to reconcile accounts. This financial strain, coupled with accusations, private prosecutions, and criminal convictions, tragically led to at least two subpostmasters taking their own lives.
The Court of Appeal’s quashing of 39 convictions in April 2021 and a 2019 settlement of £43 million for 555 postmasters underscore the gravity of the situation. However, the costs associated with the case were substantial, emphasizing the broader impact of IT errors.
This saga serves as a stark reminder that seemingly non-critical IT systems can have profound consequences. So, the next time someone questions the need for thorough testing or downplays the critical impact of a platform, remember the Post Office’s Horizon platform — a case that stands as the largest miscarriage of justice in the UK.
