Mr Bates vs the Post Office

Yes, absolutely brilliant and the best TV drama I’ve seen in a long time. Although dramatised, it’s a fair representation in my opinion and some parts, like Jo's speech outside the Court of Appeal, I can remember as it wasn’t that long ago. The fight's not over yet.

I also wonder what other Govt computer systems were designed by Fujitsu.

I’ve never binge watched anything before. That is until I started watching  Mr Bates vs The Post Office last night. It’s a tale of hope but the events covered in the series have ruined innocent lives through deliberate and systematic actions by corporate and Parliamentary corroboration, coverups, corruption and outright dishonesty. Brilliant acting will stir every emotion, a must watch in my opinion for many reasons. Yes, a real wake up for many I think early in what may well be a special year ahead. 

My lovely other half has refused to watch it as she was on the receiving end, although not prosecuted.

She worked on Post Office Counters in our local Waitrose. Security on entry to the Post Office area was strict. All personal possessions, phone, money, any foodstuff that could be bought in the store etc had to go in her locker before she could even enter the store through which she had to pass through to get to the Post Office.

When inside she had her own till and was monitored by security camera. All hand movements on till, computer keyboard and screen were recorded.

On one shift during the introduction of the system she was exactly £1000 short. Her till was closed and double checked by her line manager who could find no irregularities. It was then checked by another member of staff who also found nothing. Camera recordings were later checked and again no irregularities found.

Next day she was in front of the store manager along with her line manager. In line with company policy she was given a written warning, but also a verbal apology and told not to worry, Waitrose would cover the perceived shortfall, as he could not understand what had happened.

A report was sent by the Store Manager and Post Office Counter Manager expressing grave concerns over the system.

We all know how seriously that got taken don't we.

Colin

My heart goes out to those people who were falsely accused, EM, and the fact that some were driven to suicide over it is a total tragedy. The whole issue is an utter disgrace.

I hope the ITV series has made more of us aware of this shocking affair and, indeed, the internet and press both seem to have brought the matter to the surface again.

Yes, we watched it and, although aware to some extent of the situation, I was completely staggered by the disgusting level of contempt shown by those at the top of Post Office towards those poor folk whose lives were (and in many cases still are) ruined through no fault of their own. I haven't yet seen the "true story" documentary which followed but will catch up on that later.

Doubtless, that despicable woman at the very top will be completely unmoved - if there was ever a case for stripping an individual of their totally unjustified "honour" (was it a CBE?) this is surely it.

EB, I’m appalled by how the injustice and humiliation was deliberately handed out in order to preserve and protect those in control of developments. I feel for all who suffered and those still suffering today. I noticed this petition has really taken off in the last few days, maybe all those culpable of the injustice will be finally dealt with and true justice prevails.

Petition here

So sorry, I meant EM, I can’t start to understand how your good lady must feel. Hopefully Waitrose had some compassion for its colleagues and this helped lessen the damage and hurt to some degree. However, the true blame, and solution, lies with The Post Office and our Government.

Colin

Maybe working in/for Waitrose was a saving grace despite the anguish it must have caused as one imagines the Post Office would be less likely to pursue a large company like Waitrose who would have their in house legal team? Having said that it must have been a very unpleasant experience nonetheless.

Moulesy

The documentary gives a bit more detail but mainly puts real faces to names used in the drama. I don't know about anyone else but I got the impression the Post Office boss didn't realise the extent of the problem initially or didn't understand it and when it did dawn the Post Office were in so deep they couldn't see a way out of it. It depends which portrayal of her is the real one, the drama one or the Select Committee one? What I find rather fascinating is that Paula Vennells is also a lady of the cloth and therefore one would have thought she would have a greater insight into right and wrong? Having her CBE removed to me is only of value if she decides herself to give it up.

David

It's not often, in fact I can't remember the last one, that I sign petitions but I not only have I done so but emailed the link to many family and friends.

I also agree that it would be more meaningful if the award was voluntarily given back before it was taken away.

Don’t forget, some of these people who “front” big corporations/organisations just move around from one to another, pocketing huge salaries and bonuses. It’s a cliquey little World all of its own, and well due for some proper investigations and some proper sentencing where things have fallen far short. Too many utter meaningless apologies and simply move on. They shouldn’t be protected, the ordinary workforce certainly aren’t. Scandalous beyond words what happened to those involved in this instance, my heart goes out to every one.

Take a look at the Google page of the person in charge at the time of the scandal, and subsequent appointments. It’s a money merry go round, with even the Cabinet Office involved. Disgraceful. I have signed the petition, and sent onto family and friends.