Discrimination: increases to injury to feelings awards
Individuals who bring successful discrimination claims are entitled to be compensated for the upset and hurt they have suffered by way of an injury to feelings award. These awards are separate from, and in addition to, compensatory awards for financial loss which are uncapped.
31.03.2026
In 2002 the Court of Appeal set out three bands for injury to feelings awards, which became known as the “Vento” bands after the name of the case which established them. At that time the lowest award was £500 and the highest £25,000. The financial value of the bands has significantly increased since then.
The new rates that apply to all claims presented on or after 6 April 2026 are:
Lower band
Suitable for one-off and isolated incidents which are considered to be less serious = £1,300 to £12,600
Middle band
Suitable for cases that do not merit an award in the upper band = £12,600 to £37,700
Upper band
Suitable only in the most serious cases such as where there has been a lengthy campaign of harassment = £37,700 to £62,900, with the most serious cases capable of exceeding £62,900.
The tribunal will consider the extent to which the victim of discrimination has had their feelings injured and will attribute a financial value to that injury. It will take into account a number of factors including:
- any medical conditions resulting from the discrimination, such as depression or stress-related disorders
- the impact on the claimant’s confidence
- the repercussions on their personal relationships
- any ongoing suffering due to the discriminatory acts; and
- their age, experience and the length of time in the job.
Awards in the upper band are rare, and most awards are in the upper lower and middle bands.
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