Birmingham postmistress back at work after Post Office IT scandal

A postmistress wrongfully prosecuted for non-existent shortfalls in her Post Office accounts, based on unreliable Horizon data, has returned to her former role.

Rooprit Gill is the first in the UK to return to work at her old branch – at the Wattville Road Post Office in Handsworth, Birmingham – after the IT scandal that saw hundreds wrongfully prosecuted.

Earlier, she cut a celebratory ribbon alongside her family, MP Ayoub Khan and Post Office chairman Nigel Railton.

“This is a very joyous day getting Wattville Road Post Office back and being able to celebrate this occasion with family, customers and special guests,” she said.

Ms Gill’s father, Nirmal Singh Kailey, was one of the first Asian postmasters outside of London before his daughter took the helm in 2005.

He  had always been convinced of his daughter’s innocence and it was his long-held wish that she would one day return to work – but he died before he was able to celebrate her being back in charge.

Referring to the reaction to her return, Ms Gill said: “There have been cheers of delight from customers when they found out that I would be the postmistress again – they are over the moon, and so I am.

“It’s great to be back serving my Post Office customers again.”

Post Office chairman Nigel Railton said: “I wanted to attend this event to warmly welcome Roopie Gill back as the postmistress for Wattville Road Post Office.

“Her experiences were part of a shameful time in Post Office history and I sincerely apologise to her and everyone affected by this scandal.

“I know Roopie is now focused on the future, serving her customers and running a successful branch.”