Harrods Allocates £62.3m to Compensate Abuse Victims of Former Owner Mohamed Al Fayed

Harrods Sets Aside £62.3m for Abuse Victims In a significant move to address historical abuse allegations, Harrods has allocated over £60 million to compensate victims of alleged abuse by former owner Mohamed Al Fayed. According to the luxury department store's plan, more than 100 employees are expected to claim up to £385,000 each through the redress scheme, which is open until March 2026. The scheme provides compensation to those who claim they suffered abuse at the hands of Al Fayed, who owned Harrods between 1985 and 2010. Multiple women have accused Al Fayed of rape and sexual assault, with the Met Police investigating over 140 alleged crimes. In a statement, Harrods Managing Director Michael Ward said: "We are committed to supporting our survivors and ensuring that they receive the compensation they deserve." The allocated funds include £57 million for compensation and an additional £5.3 million reserved for legal and administrative costs. This brings the total amount set aside to £62.3 million. Background on the allegations against Al Fayed reveals a culture of fear at Harrods, where employees were allegedly intimidated into silence. The Met Police investigation has seen over 146 people come forward to report crimes related to Al Fayed's alleged abuse. Experts say that this development highlights the importance of corporate accountability and the need for companies to prioritize employee well-being. "This is a significant step towards acknowledging the harm caused by Al Fayed's actions," said Dr. Emma Taylor, a leading expert on workplace harassment. "It sets a precedent for other companies to take responsibility for their employees' experiences." The redress scheme has been met with mixed reactions from victims and advocates. While some have welcomed the move as a step towards justice, others have expressed concerns about the compensation process and the potential for further trauma. As the scheme remains open until 2026, Harrods will continue to work with victims and experts to ensure that those affected receive fair compensation. The development serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for corporate accountability and the importance of prioritizing employee well-being in the workplace. Latest Developments: The Met Police investigation into Al Fayed's alleged abuse continues, with over 140 alleged crimes under investigation. Harrods has committed to supporting survivors through the redress scheme and providing access to counseling services. Experts are calling for increased corporate accountability and greater support for victims of workplace harassment. *Reporting by Bbc.*