Harrods Abuse Redress Scheme: As application deadline for compensation nears expert lawyer sets out key advice to those wanting to submit a claim

The Harrods Redress Scheme – set up to compensate those who suffered abuse while employed by the business or by then owner Mohammed Al-Fayed is entering its final weeks before closing to new applicants on 31 March. Harrods’ most recent update confirms more than 180 survivors are now engaged, with over 50 already compensated. 

Irwin Mitchell remains committed to ensuring survivors have clear, reliable information about their options. Having advised survivors both within and outside the Scheme, I maintain that for the majority of those abused by Mohamed Al-Fayed, the Harrods Redress Scheme continues to offer the most practical, and survivor‑focused route to redress.

Securing compensation for survivors 

From my direct experience acting for large numbers of survivors within the Scheme, overall compensation under the Scheme has exceeded what would realistically have been recovered through the litigation process - particularly when factoring in risk, delay, the stress of litigation, and legal arguments.

Importance of legal representation

A noteworthy trend has emerged over the past year. Some survivors initially entered the Scheme without legal representation, believing their cases were straightforward or that the Scheme would be easier to navigate independently.

However, once those individuals later instructed Irwin Mitchell, we’ve seen significant increases in some cases in final damages offers, due to:

• Correct identification of all applicable compensation categories.
• Ensuring evidence is properly understood and applied.
• Challenging insufficient offers and negotiating on the survivor’s behalf.
• Preparing detailed personal impact evidence.

This reinforces a central message we share with all survivors - specialist representation can significantly improve outcomes while reducing stress and uncertainty.

Harrods Scheme was specifically drawn up to support survivors and avoid litigation

The voluntary Scheme was developed with input from specialist lawyers who support abuse survivors  - including Irwin Mitchell - and was deliberately structured to avoid the adversarial nature of civil litigation.

Key features include:

• A single, jointly‑appointed independent psychiatric expert with experts proposed by both specialist client lawyers and defendant solicitors.  
• A non-adversarial evidence process.
• No cross‑examination.
• A right of appeal to an independent panel if the offer feels too low.
• The ability to withdraw at any stage without penalty; and thereafter go down other legal routes outside of the Scheme.

Harrods’ own update confirms that experts were selected in consultation with specialist claimant firms and that the aim is to avoid multiple psychiatric examinations - one of the biggest sources of re‑traumatisation in civil claims.

Late last year a separate settlement scheme to the official Harrods Redress Scheme was announced following negotiations with Harrods and the Al-Fayed estate. That scheme includes proposals for a collective, global settlement, potentially covering everyone who submits a claim through it.  

However, Harrods has since said it hasn’t committed to agreeing any global settlement and the official Redress Scheme is its most favourable route for survivors. 

While this alternative scheme may be an avenue for some survivors, pooled settlement models can create risks of inequity and potential dilution of stronger claims.

By contrast, the official Redress Scheme ensures individual assessment, transparent calculation, and independence through appeal rights.

Harrods Redress Scheme applications close on 31 March 

Harrods will accept part‑completed applications submitted before the deadline, and all applications lodged in time will continue to be processed after the Scheme closes. 

Counselling support and the Independent Survivor Advocate - Dame Jasvinder Sanghera - will remain available to survivors beyond the closing date.

Survivors who haven't yet sought specialist advice are strongly encouraged to do so.

Conclusion

The widespread sexual, physical and psychological abuse connected to Al-Fayed and Harrods which was seemingly allowed to manifest over many remains truly shocking. While it may be a number of years since the abuse happened, the effects continue to live with those I represent.  

While nothing can ever make up for the terrible ordeals survivors have been through, the compensation amounts recovered under the Scheme recognise the significance of the abuse my clients went through. They’re also providing them with funds to access the specialist support they require to try and move forward with their lives the best they can. 

I’d encourage survivors of such abuse not to suffer in silence, and with the deadline for applications under the Scheme approaching, it’s important people are aware of their rights and seek advice on what may be best for them given their individual circumstances.

Find out more at our dedicated Mohammed Al-Fayed and Harrods abuse claims section.