Injury to feelings awards (the Vento bands) increase

News | 1 April 2025

Written by: Megan O'Hara
Partner

Written by: Megan O'Hara, Partner

The Vento bands relate to injury to feelings awards, which can be made in successful and appropriate discrimination and whistleblowing cases. The new Vento bands set out below apply in respect of cases presented in employment tribunals on or after 6 April 2025.

They have been adjusted to take account of the recent Retail Prices Index changes:

Lower band: £1,200 to £12,100 for less serious cases (Previously: £1,200 to £11,700)
Middle band: £12,100 to £36,400 for cases which do not merit an award in the upper band. (Previously: £11,700 to £35,200)
Upper band: £36,400 to £60,700 for the most serious cases. (Previously: £35,200 to £58,700)

Amounts in excess of £60,700 can be awarded in the most exceptional cases.

Many claims brought by employees in the employment tribunal or grievances raised cite discrimination as one of the claims or allegations. This is particularly prevalent given the need currently to have 2 years’ service to bring an ordinary unfair dismissal claim. Therefore it is important to be aware of the increase in these bands as they can form part of a discrimination award alongside an award recognising financial loss (i.e. loss of earnings attributable to any discrimination).

Please do get in touch with our Employment Team if you need advice or have any queries on 020 8290 0440 (Bromley), or 01732 496 496 (Sevenoaks) or email: employment@thackraywilliams.com. The author of this insight is Megan O’Hara a Partner in the Employment Team at Sevenoaks on 01732 496 496.