On July 17, 2025, a Horizon system outage shut down Post Office branches across the UK. The failure came from a Fujitsu datacenter, leaving towns like Stroud and Swindon without services. Customers and subpostmasters faced hours of frustration as transactions froze.
For official updates on affected branches, check the Post Office website.
What Caused the Horizon System Outage?
A fault at Fujitsu’s datacenter triggered the Horizon system outage. The system went offline for nearly two hours. Postmasters couldn’t process payments or post, and customers queued without answers.
The Post Office apologized and restored services by 4 PM. But this glitch added to Horizon’s troubled record. Subpostmasters, many relying on daily income, again questioned the system’s reliability.
Impact of the Horizon System Outage on Branches
The Horizon system outage disrupted hundreds of branches, including Minchinhampton and Stonehouse in Stroud. Over 600 users reported failures by midday.
Essential services stopped. Customers couldn’t pay bills or send urgent parcels. Subpostmasters lost income and vented their anger on social media. Many called the system unstable and demanded permanent fixes.
Groups like the Justice for Subpostmasters Alliance renewed their calls for a secure replacement.
Horizon Scandal’s Shadow
The Horizon system outage revived memories of the Horizon IT scandal. Between 1999 and 2015, faulty Horizon data led to over 900 wrongful convictions of subpostmasters for fraud and theft. Families lost businesses, reputations, and livelihoods.
In 2019, the High Court confirmed Horizon’s bugs and awarded a £58 million settlement. Evidence showed Fujitsu knew about issues as early as 1999 but failed to reveal them in court.
Delays in Replacing Horizon
The Horizon system outage shows how delays keep hurting the Post Office. Its replacement project, New Branch IT, was meant to launch by 2025. Rising costs and technical problems now push the deadline to 2030.
Past efforts failed too. In 2016, the Post Office abandoned a £40 million IBM migration. Fujitsu’s contract, due to end in March 2026, may extend. That could cost another £180 million, frustrating postmasters and taxpayers alike.
Public and Political Anger Over the Horizon System Outage
The Horizon system outage sparked outrage online and in Parliament. Subpostmasters called the outage “unacceptable” and demanded an independent review of Fujitsu’s role.
Labour MPs urged tighter oversight. They argued that public money continues to support a system prone to failure. Public inquiries since 2020 have already exposed deep flaws in how Horizon operated. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak labeled the scandal a “grave injustice” in 2024, as victim compensation could top £1 billion.
What’s Next for Post Office IT?
After the Horizon system outage, the Post Office appointed Andy Nice as interim Chief Transformation Officer. His job is to speed up IT reforms and reduce reliance on Fujitsu.
Planned steps include:
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Fast-tracking New Branch IT with added government support.
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Moving management of the replacement system in-house.
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Considering an employee-owned Post Office model for accountability.
Until the new system arrives, branches and customers face more risks of similar failures.
Stay Updated on Horizon-Related Issues
For live service alerts during events like the Horizon system outage, check the Post Office alerts page.
Subpostmasters affected by Horizon-related problems can seek guidance through the Justice for Subpostmasters Alliance.
Why the Horizon System Outage Matters
The Horizon system outage is more than a technical glitch. It threatens income for subpostmasters, delays crucial services, and erodes public trust.
For the government and the Post Office, it’s another warning. Replacing Horizon isn’t just a tech project. It’s a matter of justice, reliability, and restoring confidence in a national service.
Until a modern IT system takes its place, outages like this will remain a sharp reminder that change cannot wait.
