Rainhill postmaster pushing for justice after Horizon scandal

The 'Mr Bates vs. The Post Office' series has caused quite the storm in recent weeks after highlighting the scandal where around 3,500 postmasters were wrongly accused of taking money from the Post Office between 2000 and 2015.

Despite postmasters' complaints over the Fujitsu 'Horizon' software, more than 900 were prosecuted while many more lost their jobs, reputations, and life savings.

Although she wasn't involved in the scandal, Rainhill postmaster Sara Barlow is one of the leading voices of a nationwide 'Voice of the Postmasters' group and said that "something significant needs to change" as workers are still using the Horizon software and covering shortfalls, while being overworked and underpaid.

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Huge impact of ITV dramaThe 'Mr Bates vs. The Post Office' drama has highlighted the scandal (Image: PA)

Speaking about the scandal and television series, Sara said: "I don't think any of us can believe the impact that the ITV drama has had, because things have been progressing so fast but we [postmasters] are still reeling about it all.

"First and foremost the priority has got to be compensation for those involved in historic cases, because people have lost everything and some have died because of this.

"It's overwhelming when you think about what people have lost and we need to avoid it happening again."

Postmasters still using Horizon and covering shortfalls

Sara has worked at the Warrington Road Post Office for five years (Image: Sara Barlow)
As the television drama has highlighted how Post Office employees were forced to cover shortfalls that often ran into the tens of thousands, there are still concerns that similar accusations could be levelled in the future.

As Sara explains, this is because the Post Office is still using the Fujitsu Horizon software and contracts state that employees are still responsible for their shop's shortfalls.

Although Horizon has been upgraded and the attitude of Post Office bosses has softened since the scandal came to light, this has created lingering anxieties for postmasters who have also battled through a pandemic, cost of living crisis, and declining footfall.

Sara was awarded the BEM for services in the community (Image: Sara Barlow)
Sara, who is also a parish councillor and a recipient of the British Empire Medal for her services in the community, said: "Postmasters own our own shops so we are still expected to cover shortfalls, despite our income being less and our bills going up.

"Postmasters constantly have to subsidise their business which means that many of them are being paid under the minimum wage. You only need to look at how many Post Offices are closing to see things are not working.

"The shortfalls are still ruining people's lives and I know of postmasters using foodbanks, others who can't afford the travel to see their family, and some who couldn't afford time off when loved ones have died.

"When you see Post Office bosses still getting bonuses, and their lack of empathy for the postmasters, it is scandalous."

Campaign group fighting for justice

The parish councillor helped to deliver hundreds of meals from the Blue Mango during the pandemic (Image: Sara Barlow)
After five years as postmaster of the Warrington Road shop, mum-of-four Sara is a major part of the 'Voice of the Postmaster' campaign group which is fighting for justice following the Horizon scandal.

Aiming to continue the momentum created by the ITV drama, the group is campaigning for compensation for postmasters and the removal of any Post Office bosses involved in the Horizon scandal, as well as a real terms pay increase and involvement in executive decision-making for current postmasters.

As the scandal has brought a huge amount of bad press to the Post Office and opened up old wounds for many postmasters, Sara also said that the 800-strong group has been a massive support network for those who have struggled or felt very alone during the ordeal.

A public inquiry is currently ongoing into the Horizon scandal (Image: PA)
Sara, 50, added: "I am very fortunate to have the 'Voice of the Postmasters' group. It is so supportive and it makes people know that they are not alone, which is important as so many postmasters were told this was only happening to them.

"Things are still difficult and I am absolutely terrified that I won't get my investment back on the shop, but the support of the group and my customers really has been phenomenal.

"After all of this, it is really important that the Post Office makes significant changes and listens to our demands, and doesn't pass the buck that there is 'no money left in the pot'.

"You know, we were offered free elastic bands in one of our last Post Office meetings, so it is not good enough."