Tue Sep 17 05:24:00 UTC 2024: ## Fujitsu’s UK Public Sector Business Takes £50m Hit Amid Post Office Scandal Fallout

**London, UK** – Fujitsu’s UK public sector business has suffered a significant loss of £50m-£60m in potential revenue this year due to the fallout from the Post Office scandal. The company’s head of public sector, Dave Riley, revealed the impact during a recent conference call, attributing the financial strain to negative media coverage surrounding Fujitsu’s role in the scandal.

Riley explained that following heightened media attention after the airing of the ITV drama “Mr Bates vs the Post Office,” Fujitsu’s UK subsidiary agreed with its Japanese headquarters to “redefine the business profile” for the year. As a result, the public sector revenue budget has been reduced to £399m, compared to the initial forecast of £450m-£460m.

“Let’s call that gap of £50m to £60m the cost to the business of the media coverage and what’s happening in the public debate,” Riley stated.

Despite the financial impact, Fujitsu’s headquarters in Japan has injected £200m into the UK business to help it navigate these challenges. “There is that moral obligation to look after the business and to make sure we can continue to bid for public sector work,” said Riley.

Fujitsu’s involvement in the Post Office scandal has drawn intense scrutiny and criticism. The company developed and provided the Horizon software to the Post Office, which contained defects that led to accounting shortfalls, ultimately resulting in the wrongful prosecution of numerous subpostmasters. Fujitsu has also faced criticism for its role in helping the Post Office conceal knowledge of the software’s flaws.

The scandal’s impact on Fujitsu’s public sector deals has been significant, with the company facing a self-imposed bidding ban and organizations distancing themselves from the supplier.

While Fujitsu has continued to seek public sector contracts, the company’s public sector revenue has taken a hit, underscoring the ongoing impact of the Post Office scandal on its business.

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