Updated Vento bands for injury to feelings awards from 6 April 2026

The Vento bands

The Vento bands provide a framework for tribunals to award compensation for injury to feelings, most commonly in discrimination and detriment claims. While the Vento bands are not legally binding, they are widely followed, and tribunals are required to have regard to them when determining awards. The updated bands are:

• Lower band: £1,300 to £12,600 – for less serious cases.
• Middle band: £12,600 to £37,700 – for moderately serious cases.
• Upper band: £37,700 to £62,900 – for the most serious cases.
• Exceptional cases: awards exceeding £62,900 may apply in rare circumstances.
  
  

Implications for employers

The uplift to the Vento bands reflects the ongoing increase in potential compensation for injury to feelings. Employers should be mindful of this when assessing litigation risk and potential exposure in discrimination and detriment claims.

The update also reinforces the importance of taking proactive steps to prevent workplace issues that could give rise to such claims, including maintaining effective policies, providing training, and addressing concerns promptly and appropriately.

For more information or advice, please get in touch with Alastair Fatemi in our Employment team.