02/04/2026

In discrimination claims, where a claim is successful, the Tribunal will assess compensation for the hurt, upset and humiliation caused by the discriminatory act(s).

These awards are known as Injury to Feelings awards, often referred to as Vento bands, following the case in which clear guidelines for assessing such compensation were established.

The Presidents of the Employment Tribunals in England and Wales and Scotland have now published their annual increases to Injury to Feelings awards in the 9th Addendum to the Presidential Guidance.

Although this Guidance does not formally apply in Northern Ireland, the updated bands are generally followed by the Industrial Tribunal and Fair Employment Tribunal.

NEW INJURY TO FEELINGS AWARD BANDS

Lower band

• £1,300 to £12,600

(previously £1,200 to £12,100)

Applies to less serious cases of discrimination.

Middle band

• £12,600 to £37,700

(previously £12,100 to £36,400)

Applies to cases that do not merit an upper band award.

Upper band

• £37,700 to £62,900

(previously £36,400 to £60,700)

Applies to the most serious cases of discrimination.

Exceptional cases

• Over £62,900

(previously over £60,700)

Reserved for the most exceptional circumstances.

When do the new bands apply?

The updated Injury to Feelings award bands apply to Tribunal claims presented on or after 6 April 2026.