Greater than 100 survivors of Mohamed Al Fayed’s abuse declare compensation

Greater than 100 victims of Mohamed Al Fayed’s abuse have entered a compensation scheme opened by Harrods on 31 March, the luxurious division retailer has confirmed.

Harrods began issuing compensation on the finish of April and the scheme stays open for brand spanking new functions till 31 March 2026.

Eligibility for the scheme has been prolonged to workers of one in all Fayed’s non-public airline firms, Fayair (Jersey) Co Ltd, Harrods mentioned.

Harrods additionally mentioned that it has filed a case on the Excessive Court docket asking for the executors of Fayed’s property to get replaced following the dearth of “any progress” in resolving his affairs since he died in 2023.

That is to “make sure the Property is responsibly administered, [and to] to guard any belongings within the Property for the advantage of potential claimants”, Harrods mentioned.

The BBC has contacted representatives of the Fayed household for remark.

Harrods additionally mentioned that “suggestions from survivors continues to be listened as to whether raised instantly or by way of authorized companies or Dame Jasvinder Sanghera, the Impartial Survivor Advocate”.

A number of ladies who labored for the previous division retailer proprietor who died final 12 months have accused him of rape and sexual assault.

In March Harrods mentioned victims of abuse by the previous Harrods proprietor may obtain as much as £385,000 in compensation plus therapy prices if they comply with be assessed by a guide psychiatrist.

Survivors who don’t select to be medically assessed by a psychiatrist will obtain decrease funds.

Harrods mentioned people can apply for various compensation quantities, together with Common Damages of as much as £200,000 and a Work Influence Cost sum of as much as £150,000.

A lot of those that say Fayed abused them underwent intrusive medical examinations after they have been employed. Compensation for such testing could possibly be as much as £10,000.

Previous therapy prices may also be coated.

Harrods beforehand said an eligible applicant doesn’t have to have been a Harrods’ worker, however their declare should comprise a “sufficiently shut connection”.

Those that allege they have been assaulted exterior the UK “in circumstances which are sufficiently linked” to Fayed’s position at Harrods is also eligible for compensation.

All eligible candidates are provided a gathering with a senior Harrods’ consultant, to obtain an apology in individual or by video, in addition to a person written apology.

The scheme solely requires “documentary proof”, which means candidates should not requested to offer oral proof relating to their claims.

If an individual makes a profitable software and accepts a proposal, it’s handled as “full and ultimate settlement”, which means they waive their proper to pursue additional motion for damages.

The BBC’s Al Fayed: Predator at Harrods heard testimony from greater than 20 feminine ex-employees at Harrods who mentioned Fayed sexually assaulted or raped them.

Dozens extra ladies despatched the BBC their accounts of abuse by Fayed together with sexual harassment, sexual assault and rape after the documentary and podcast have been revealed in September.

The documentary and podcast discovered that in Fayed’s possession, Harrods not solely did not intervene however helped cowl up abuse allegations.

Responding to the investigation on the time, Harrods’ present house owners mentioned they have been “totally appalled” by the allegations and that his victims had been failed – for which the shop sincerely apologised.

Fayed was not charged earlier than his loss of life.