More than 180 survivors engaged in Harrods abuse redress scheme

More than 180 survivors of abuse by the former Harrods owner Mohammed Al Fayed are currently "engaged" in its compensation scheme, the company has said.

The luxury retailer said it has already paid out compensation to more than 50 women.

The scheme, which was opened last March, will close to new submissions on 31 March.

In October, Harrods said it had set aside more than £60m in its plan to compensate victims of alleged historical abuse.

The compensation scheme will award each eligible claimant damages of £200,000, though victims who agree to be assessed by a consultant psychiatrist could receive up to £385,000 in compensation plus treatment costs.

Survivors who are not assessed by a psychiatrist will receive lower payments.

Applications submitted by 31 March will continue to be processed after that deadline.

The department store also said it will continue offering counselling support after the deadline, including from its so-called Independent Survivor Advocate.

Human rights campaigner Dame Jasvinder Sanghera was appointed by Harrods for the Advocate role in 2024, promising to meet as many survivors as possible and guide them through the retailer's compensation process.

Justice for Harrods Survivors, which represents some victims, said only a "truly independent" process could address the needs of survivors.

Multiple women have accused Al Fayed, who owned the luxury store between 1985 to 2010, of rape and sexual assault. The Met Police said that 146 people have come forward to report a crime in their investigation into Al Fayed.

As well as its flagship store in Knightsbridge, London, the Harrods Group operates smaller stores at London's Heathrow and Gatwick airports, as well as a small chain of beauty stores.

KP Law, who represents more than 260 survivors, has been critical of the Redress Scheme citing concerns Harrods retain "complete control" of the scheme.

Tom Fletcher, a specialist lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, which is supporting some victims, said it is pleased to have secured settlements for some of the firm's clients.

He said: "Whilst no amount of money will ever be enough, the amounts of compensation recovered under the scheme recognises the significance of the abuse our clients went through while also allowing them funds to access the specialist support they require to try and move forward with their lives the best they can."