Mohamed Al Fayed: Concerns raised over Harrods abuse compensation scheme and why survivors need independent legal advice
It's usual for survivors to be reluctant to speak out about any abuse - especially workplace sexual abuse and harassment.
This is often due to threats about the consequences if they do speak out, sometimes a fear of not being believed and the inevitable trauma of having to relive extremely distressing experiences.
Survivors often feel alone and unsupported.
Mohamed Al Fayed accused of widespread abuse of Harrods staff
There have been many concerns expressed publicly over a long period of time about the reluctance of prosecuting authorities to pursue criminal charges against alleged perpetrators – as appears to have been the case with Mohamed Al Fayed, the former chairman of Harrods and Fulham FC.
A recent BBC documentary highlighted the apparent systematic and widespread abuse of Harrods’ employees and players at Fulham FC, seemingly over decades, against a sinister background suggestive of an elaborate cover up – possibly with the behaviour of others within the organisation enabling the abuse to occur, and to remain largely undetected.
Lawyers raise concern over Harrods abuse compensation scheme
It's odd that the new owners of Harrods appear now to encourage survivors to come forward and participate in what they describe as a compensation scheme for victims of workplace assault by Al Fayed.
Yet details of such a scheme - if it exists - are unclear and certainly not easily available. Harrods has even suggested that some survivors have already received compensation – again details are unknown.
A compensation scheme is a process for resolving claims without resorting to formal proceedings in court, and can be a faster and more efficient way to resolve cases.
Why survivors need independent legal advice
Irwin Mitchell has been involved in many schemes over the years which have resulted in settlement of claims without the need for our clients having to go through the stress and delay that is often associated with a formal court case.
However, if such a process put in place, it's crucially important that survivors have access to completely independent legal advice. It's never appropriate for an opponent to have sole, or indeed any, responsibility for adjudicating claims brought against them.
Survivors need to be assured that what is being proposed is reasonable and fair and that means they need their own legal representatives to support and guide them. They should be provided with information from independent legal advisors about all the steps available to them in order to attempt to recompense them for what they have suffered.
Conclusion
Harrods should not be in charge of that process. Victims have the right to seek independent legal advice from solicitors of their own choice, and to be guided independently of any individual or any organisation which has links with Harrods.
Irwin Mitchell has a long and established history of advising survivors of abuse – and a long history of securing just outcomes for our clients.
Find out more about our expertise in supporting survivors at our dedicated abuse and criminal injuries section. Alternatively, to speak to an expert contact us or call 0370 1500 100.
