The Presidents of the Employment Tribunals in England & Wales and Scotland have announced an increase to the “Vento Bands” – the guidelines used by Employment Tribunals in assessing awards for injury to feelings in discrimination claims.
The updated Vento Bands will apply to any claims presented on or after 6 April 2023, and are as follows:
Band |
Previous 2022 Range |
New 2023 Range |
Lower band (for less serious cases) |
£990 to £9,900 |
£1,100 to £11,200 |
Middle band (for cases which do not merit an award in the upper band |
£9,900 to £29,600 |
£11,200 to £33,700 |
Upper band (for the most serious cases) |
£29,600 to £49,300 |
£33,700 to £56,200 |
Exceptional cases |
Over £49,300 |
Over £56,200 |
The bands are reviewed on an annual basis, taking into account the changes to the Retail Prices Index measure of inflation.
Graham Irons comments:
“Injury to feelings awards are made at the discretion of the Employment Tribunal in successful discrimination cases, and can be made in addition to any loss of earnings suffered by a claimant (which are uncapped for discrimination claims). The new Vento Bands represent the highest year on year increase since the annual review of the Vento Bands began, and highlight the potential liability employers can face if an employee succeeds in a claim for discrimination. Undertaking equality and diversity training, and having an equal opportunities policy, helps minimise the risk to your organisation."
If you would be interested in Howes Percival’s equality and diversity training, or require an equal opportunities policy, please contact a member of the team here.