KP Law and its 276 client survivors call for Harrods to extend its Redress Scheme and to announce that it will make public the findings of its ongoing internal investigation.

Harrods Redress Scheme closes tomorrow, Tuesday, 31st March.  This is a self-imposed deadline which, despite constant calls for it to be extended, Harrods has stated that after it closes, no other survivor can join.

Why is this?

Why is Harrods closing its Redress Scheme before it has completed its own internal investigation, an investigation that has already resulted in at least one person leaving the business; unless that investigation has unearthed new evidence that it wants to withhold before its redress scheme is closed.

We are concerned that the decision appears to be driven by financial considerations rather than what is fair and appropriate for survivors. No final conclusions should be reached, and no process curtailed, until all relevant evidence has been fully investigated and made public, and those responsible held to account.

Kingsley Hayes, Partner at KP Law, who is representing nearly 280 survivors stated:

“Today we are calling on Harrods to ‘do the honourable thing’ and delay the closure of the Redress Scheme and commit to publishing the findings of its long overdue internal investigation into what happened and who knew. Survivors are being asked to make life-altering decisions without access to the full picture. That is neither fair nor just.

While we have previously raised concerns about the governance of the Redress Scheme, including the fact that it is overseen by individuals connected to the business during the relevant period, it nonetheless provides an alternative resolution for some survivors who do not wish to pursue litigation.

It is therefore wrong to impose a self-serving deadline before the extent of the alleged abuse, and any institutional failings, are properly understood.

Hayes continued:

“The announcement by the MET last week that a 4^th individual is now being questioned in connection with serious offences, including aiding and abetting rape, sexual assault and human trafficking is further proof that more information and evidence may yet emerge. 

The recently agreed KP Law mechanisms, negotiated with Harrods and the estate of the late Al Fayed (‘the Estate’) provide a trauma-informed process with no arbitrary cutoff date; ensuring that all evidence can be obtained and investigated thoroughly.

Survivors outside those arrangements should not be disadvantaged by the imposition of an artificial deadline. They should have the opportunity to make informed decisions based on the complete evidential picture, not an incomplete one.