Harrods launches compensation scheme for Al Fayed victims

Victims of abuse by former Harrods owner Mohamed Al Fayed could receive up to £385,000 in compensation plus treatment costs if they agree to be assessed by a consultant psychiatrist, the luxury department store has said.

Multiple women who worked for Fayed, who died last year, have accused him of rape and sexual assault.

Harrods published its compensation scheme on Monday and offered victims a year to apply.

Kingsley Hayes, partner at KP Law working on behalf of Justice for Harrods, which represents at least 260 women, said the scheme "falls short of addressing the true impact on those affected".

Harrods said it "apologises unreservedly for the sexual abuse inflicted upon survivors by Fayed".

"While nothing can undo the abuse which survivors have suffered, Harrods wants everyone who is eligible to receive this compensation," its statement published on the scheme's website read.

Harrods said individuals can apply for different compensation amounts, including General Damages of up to £200,000 and a Work Impact Payment sum of up to £150,000.

Many of those who say Fayed abused them underwent intrusive medical examinations when they were hired. Compensation for such testing could be up to £10,000.

Past treatment costs will also be covered.

Survivors who do not choose to be medically assessed by a psychiatrist will receive lower payments.

An eligible applicant does not need to have been a Harrods' employee, but their claim must contain a "sufficiently close connection".

Those who allege they were assaulted outside the UK "in circumstances that are sufficiently connected" to Fayed's role at Harrods could also be eligible for compensation.

The scheme will only require "documentary evidence", meaning applicants will not be asked to give oral evidence about their claims.

All eligible applicants will be offered a meeting with a senior Harrods' representative, to receive an apology in person or by video, as well as an individual written apology.

If a person makes a successful application and accepts an offer it will be treated as "full and final settlement".

Harrods has provisionally set a deadline for applications of 31 March 2026.

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Lawyers representing the victims have criticised the lack of transparency surrounding the compensation scheme.

"By controlling the process and outcomes, Harrods retains the upper hand, ensuring that any redress offered is on their terms and falls short of addressing the true impact on those affected," Mr Hayes, working on behalf of Justice for Harrods, said.

"This approach undermines the very principles of fairness and accountability that any legitimate redress scheme should uphold."

Tom Fletcher, from Irwin Mitchell, another firm representing victims, said he cautiously welcomed the scheme, but criticised Harrods for failing to publish details of an internal review into other employees who may have enabled Fayed's behaviour.

"Whilst Harrods has publicly committed to its own internal review of how this systematic and widespread abuse was allowed to occur, there has been no detail published of what this will entail nor any detail of when it will be completed and whether the findings will be shared with those affected," Mr Fletcher said.

He requested that Harrods provide "urgent clarification" on this.

Harrods' new owners previously said they are "appalled" by the allegations of sexual abuse and have been investigating since 2023 whether any current members of staff were involved.

A spokesperson from Harrods told the BBC: "We have always been clear that we won't comment on the investigation while it is ongoing."

"Any claims regarding the behaviour of current staff in relation to Fayed's conduct during the time of his ownership will be examined as part of Harrods existing and ongoing investigations."

The BBC's Al Fayed: Predator at Harrods heard testimony from more than 20 female ex-employees at Harrods who said Fayed sexually assaulted or raped them.

Dozens more women sent the BBC their accounts of abuse by Fayed including sexual harassment, sexual assault and rape after the documentary and podcast were published in September.

Fayed was not charged before his death.