The Post Office Horizon inquiry has published the first volume of the report of Sir Wyn Williams. In the report Sir Wyn has set out the scale of suffering endured by sub-post masters and their loved ones.

Their injuries were caused by the Post Office’s wrongful allegations concerning its Horizon computer system.

The report also covers the financial redress schemes setup by the Post Office to deal with the Horizon computer scandal.

The report makes clear that the compensation scheme was “deliberately” setup with the ambition that claims could be made without legal help.

No provision to recover legal fees

There was no provision for claimants to recover legal fees.  Claimants cannot recover legal fees incurred at any stage of the process before the Post Office makes an offer.  This resulted in claimants having to pay for legal fees when considering whether or not an offer should be accepted.

System requires reform

Sir Wyn Williams stated that the system required reform and that anyone claiming compensation through the Horizon scheme should be entitled to legal advice funded by the Department for Business & Trade (DBT).

This will help claimants decide whether to accept an offer or have an assessment to decide the amount.

The Post Office scandal shines a light on why it is vital that injured people secure access to specialist legal advice. It's crucial that injured people have the benefit of early legal advice when suffering an injury, whether it be at work or in a public space.

Need legal advice?

If you have suffered a job related injury or injury in a public space, please contact Switalskis  for advice on 0800 138 0458 or email help@switalskis.com