Harrods increases compensation for abuse victims to nearly £400,000
- Harrods has revised its compensation scheme, increasing maximum payouts significantly for survivors of sexual abuse.
- The scheme offers two pathways for claimants, with differing payout structures based on medical assessments.
- The situation raises critical issues about support for abuse survivors while navigating the legal process.
In the UK, Harrods has modified its compensation scheme intended for sexual abuse victims of its former owner, Mohamed al Fayed, with major changes expected to be disclosed on March 31, 2025. The new scheme has raised the maximum payout from approximately £330,000 to nearly £400,000, reflecting the store's consultations with claimants and their legal representatives. The scheme, managed by MPL Legal, aims to provide two pathways for compensation: a 'medical pathway' requiring psychiatric assessments for higher payouts and a 'non-medical pathway' with lower payouts. Victims, many enduring psychological trauma, have expressed concern over the psychiatric assessment requirement, fearing it may complicate their process for obtaining compensation. The compensation scheme's anticipated total payouts could reach tens of millions of pounds, depending on the number of claims initiated. As part of broader efforts to address the serious abuse claims against al Fayed, who passed away in 2023, five women plan legal actions against his estate, which are being facilitated by law firm Leigh Day. These women allege significant abuse during their employment from 1995 to 2012, insisting the estate should be held accountable for the alleged misconduct. With over 100 individuals coming forward to report abuse, legal actions and a public inquiry into these allegations are being pursued amid ongoing police reviews. This complex situation highlights the pressing need for justice and support for survivors while navigating the legal and emotional challenges they face.