New Evidence Reveals Lack of Union Support for Sub Postmasters in Horizon Scandal

💔Many sub postmasters affected by the Horizon scandal did not receive support from their union, the national Federation for sub postmasters.

⚖️The union reportedly refused to represent the wrongly accused members, telling them to get their own criminal lawyer.

💰Former sub postmasters claim that the union has been in collaboration with the post office for years, prioritizing the brand image rather than supporting its members.

🕵️‍♂️Whistleblowers and leaked documents reveal that the union was aware of Horizon system problems but did not publicly criticize it until after the high court case.

🔎The lack of union support raises concerns about their responsibility and loyalty to their members, especially during legal battles against the post office.

Did the national Federation for sub postmasters support the wrongly accused members?

—No, the union reportedly refused to represent the wrongly accused members and instead advised them to get their own criminal lawyer.

Why did the union not publicly criticize the Horizon system earlier?

—According to leaked documents and whistleblowers, the union was aware of Horizon system problems but did not publicly criticize it until after the high court case in 2019.

What do former sub postmasters claim about the union's collaboration with the post office?

—Former sub postmasters claim that the union has been in collaboration with the post office for years, prioritizing the brand image rather than supporting its members.

What evidence supports the lack of union support for sub postmasters?

—The evidence includes leaked documents and testimonies from whistleblowers, as well as the experiences of sub postmasters who were abandoned by the union in their legal battles.

What concerns arise from the lack of union support?

—The lack of union support raises concerns about their responsibility and loyalty to their members, particularly during legal battles against powerful institutions like the post office.

00:00A new investigation by ITV News uncovers evidence that many sub postmasters affected by the Horizon scandal did not receive support from their own union, the national Federation for sub postmasters.

01:09Former sub postmaster Lee Castleton confirms that when he requested help from the union, they refused to assist him and advised him to get his own criminal lawyer.

02:27Documents from a 2009 executive committee meeting reveal that the union was aware of Horizon system problems and discussed the need to be careful about criticizing it for fear of damaging the post office's corporate image.

03:59George Thompson, the former General Secretary of the union, denies any lack of support and claims they helped members throughout the Horizon scandal.

05:18Former sub postmaster Helen Baker believes that George Thompson and the union could have done more to support the wrongly accused sub postmasters and stop the injustice.