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    Vento Bands 2026: Injury to Feelings Awards in Employment Tribunal Claims

    Vento Bands 2026: Injury to Feelings Awards in Employment Tribunal Claims

    Updated on 30 October 2026 with the Vento bands for claims presented on or after 6 April 2026.

    Injury to feelings awards can be made in discrimination and detriment claims brought before the Employment Tribunal. The award is intended to compensate a claimant for the hurt and distress suffered because of their employer’s unlawful action. It can be awarded whether or not any financial loss, such as loss of earnings, has been suffered.

    In making an award, the Employment Tribunal takes into account the effect the discriminatory behaviour had on the claimant. In 2003, the Court of Appeal in Vento v Chief Constable of West Yorkshire Police (No. 2) set guidelines on the amount of compensation for injured feelings.

    There are three bands, known as the Vento bands. The lower band is for less serious cases, such as an isolated or one-off incident. The middle band is for serious cases that do not merit an award in the upper band. The upper band is for the most serious cases, such as a lengthy campaign of discriminatory harassment. The bands are a guide, not a fixed scale: a one-off incident can sometimes merit an award in the middle band.

    Vento bands 2026

    For claims presented in England and Wales on or after 6 April 2026, the Vento bands are:

    • Lower band: £1,300 to £12,600 (less serious cases);
    • Middle band: £12,600 to £37,700 (cases that do not merit an award in the upper band);
    • Upper band: £37,700 to £62,900 (the most serious cases).

    Awards above £62,900 are made only in the most exceptional cases. The figures come from the Ninth Addendum to the Presidential Guidance issued by the Presidents of the Employment Tribunals on 30 March 2026. Claims presented in Scotland follow paragraph 12 of the original Presidential Guidance.

    Vento bands for claims presented between 6 April 2025 and 5 April 2026

    • Lower band: £1,200 to £12,100;
    • Middle band: £12,100 to £36,400;
    • Upper band: £36,400 to £60,700.

    Which bands apply depends on the date the claim is presented to the tribunal, not the date of the discrimination. The bands are usually updated each year from 6 April, and we update this page when new figures are published.

    Examples of injury to feelings awards

    The examples below are illustrative and do not describe real cases. They show how the 2026 bands might apply.

    • Lower band. A single discriminatory remark by a manager, with no pattern of ongoing harassment and little financial loss, might lead to an award of around £3,000.
    • Middle band. Repeated derogatory comments over several months that seriously affect the claimant’s confidence and well-being might lead to an award of around £20,000.
    • Upper band. A lengthy campaign of bullying and harassment, including exclusion from team meetings and persistent offensive jokes, might lead to an award of around £55,000.

    The nature, frequency and impact of the discrimination determine where an award falls within the bands.

    Time limits and other compensation

    For discrimination that happened on or after 1 October 2026, a claim must normally be started within six months less one day of the act complained of, and you must contact Acas for early conciliation first. For earlier acts, the limit is three months less one day. Read more in our article on the six-month deadline for tribunal claims.

    An injury to feelings award is often only part of the compensation. A tribunal can also award compensation for financial loss, such as lost earnings, and there is no upper limit on compensation in discrimination cases. Many claims are resolved before a hearing, and the likely injury to feelings award is one of the factors in valuing a settlement agreement. See our page on discrimination at work for how we can help.

    FAQ about Vento bands

    1. What are the Vento bands for 2026?

    For claims presented in England and Wales on or after 6 April 2026, the lower band is £1,300 to £12,600, the middle band is £12,600 to £37,700 and the upper band is £37,700 to £62,900. The most exceptional cases can exceed £62,900.

    2. Which year’s Vento bands apply to my claim?

    The bands depend on the date your claim is presented to the Employment Tribunal, not the date of the discrimination. Claims presented on or after 6 April 2026 use the 2026 bands.

    3. Is an injury to feelings award the only compensation in a discrimination claim?

    No. A tribunal can also award compensation for financial loss, such as lost earnings, and there is no upper limit on compensation in discrimination cases.

    4. Do the Vento bands apply in Scotland?

    The figures above apply to claims presented in England and Wales. Claims presented in Scotland follow paragraph 12 of the original Presidential Guidance.

    If you have any questions about Vento bands or need advice on an injury to feelings claim, contact the lawyers at Sterling Law.

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