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Report reveals the human suffering caused by UK Post Office scandal

A public inquiry into Britain’s Post Office IT Scandal revealed on Tuesday that six postal workers committed suicide, while others fell seriously ill or declared bankrupt. The report also revealed the impact of this scandal on over 1,000 sub-postmasters.

State-owned Post Office pursued Branch Managers for losses on their accounts due to flaws in a computer system between 2000 and 2013, leading to about 1,000 of them being found guilty in one of the biggest injustices of the country.

ITV's dramatization of the managers' campaign, "Mr Bates Vs. the Post Office", last year sparked outrage and led to legislation exonerating those convicted.

Wyn Williams, the chair of the public inquiry, said that he was satisfied Post Office executives were aware, or should have been aware, that Fujitsu's IT system was prone to error, but maintained that it was accurate.

In the first volume, he called for immediate action to ensure that all compensation is paid.

Williams said that it was difficult to determine the exact number of people affected, but he estimated there were approximately 10,000 eligible claimants under four compensation schemes.

Williams outlined 17 first-hand stories, ranging from people who were wrongly held responsible for small amounts to those who fell seriously ill, were driven to despair, or committed suicide.

In 2013, Martin Griffiths' contract was terminated due to a shortfall in his account. He deliberately walked into a bus and suffered multiple injuries, which led to his death.

The 162-page report said that other people suffered from mental and physical illnesses, bankruptcy, and relationship breakdowns.

Williams suggested free legal advice and compensation for family. He also recommended a commitment to "full and just" compensation. (Reporting and editing by Sachin Ravikumar; Reporting by Paul Sandle)

(source: Reuters)