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Harrods finalising six figure Al-Fayed compensation scheme
It has been reported that Harrods is finalising a compensation scheme which proposes to compensate victims of its former owner, Mohamed Al Fayed. The scheme, which is currently under consultation, proposes significant six-figure sums in compensation.
Mohamed Al Fayed, who owned Harrods from 1985 until its sale in 2010, has been accused by over 400 women of sexual abuse spanning more than three decades. These allegations include harassment, assault, and rape, with incidents reportedly occurring at Harrods, Fulham Football Club, the Ritz Paris, and Al Fayed’s Surrey estate. The victims hail from various countries, including Britain, the US, and Australia.
Proposed Compensation Scheme
Although the scheme is not yet finalised the reported proposals are:
Mohamed Al Fayed, who owned Harrods from 1985 until its sale in 2010, has been accused by over 400 women of sexual abuse spanning more than three decades. These allegations include harassment, assault, and rape, with incidents reportedly occurring at Harrods, Fulham Football Club, the Ritz Paris, and Al Fayed’s Surrey estate. The victims hail from various countries, including Britain, the US, and Australia.
Proposed Compensation Scheme
Although the scheme is not yet finalised the reported proposals are:
- Non-Medical Pathway: Victims opting out of psychiatric assessments may receive general damages up to £110,000, with additional aggravated damages up to £15,000 and wrongful testing payments up to £7,500.
- Medical Pathway: Victims agreeing to a psychiatric evaluation could be eligible for general damages up to £200,000, along with similar additional payments as the non-medical pathway. This route also considers treatment costs and work impact payments, potentially leading to total compensation exceeding £300,000.
The consultation period for this scheme is set to conclude on March 31, 2025, after which the final details will be established.
Harrods’ proposed compensation scheme represents a pivotal step in acknowledging and addressing the grievous wrongs committed during Mohamed Al Fayed’s time as owner. By offering substantial financial redress and prioritising a survivor-centric approach, the institution seeks to provide justice and closure to the victims of these historical abuses.
David Hawkins of Biscoes Solicitors, who is a specialist in historic sexual abuse compensation law said “The Redress Scheme is a major step forward in providing justice for the many victims of abuse by Al-Fayed and provides an alternative to the additional trauma of seeking justice through the courts. Many of his victims were intimidated into silence whilst Al-Fayed was alive and although he never saw justice in his lifetime the hope is that this will go a long way towards helping his victims and recognising his crimes.”
David has many years’ experience in bringing claims through redress schemes such as the Lambeth Childrens Homes and the Jesus Army Redress Schemes. If you have been affected by any of these issues and would like help and advice with this specialised area of law, please don’t hesitate to contact him for confidential advice about your legal rights.