Philip Gordon

The universal offer of compensation follows the allocation of £119 million by the Northern Ireland Executive to cover costs relating to the breach and litigation.

The unprecedented data breach in August 2023 saw the names, roles and other personal details of all serving police officers and civilian staff inadvertently published on PSNI’s own website.

Belfast firm Edwards Solicitors is one of the management solicitors in a group action brought on behalf of thousands of plaintiffs.

Partner Philip Gordon said: “The universal offer is £7,500 in damages for each plaintiff. We will be advising our clients in detail about whether that offer is right for them.

“We are delighted that after more than two years of hard work and considerable patience from our clients, the chief constable has finally been able to make an offer of compensation.

“For many officers and staff, there will be considerable relief that they will be entering the closing stages of their action. They want to put this very unfortunate episode behind them and get on with the job of serving and safeguarding the community.

“Some have been particularly badly affected, and we have heard harrowing stories of severe upset and distress caused to officers and their families. For those people, the offer may not be suitable and their cases will continue.”