The Vento bands represent three distinct levels of potential compensation awards for injury to feelings in employment tribunal claims. For all claims presented on or after 6 April 2026, these award thresholds have been increased to the following:

• Lower Band (£1,300 – £12,600): For less serious, isolated cases.

• Middle Band (£12,600 – £37,700): For cases that do not quite warrant the upper threshold but are more severe than a one-off incident.

• Upper Band (£37,700 – £62,900): For the most serious cases, with exceptional matters capable of exceeding £62,900.

 

Inflation Adjustments and Comparisons

These figures are adjusted annually based on the Retail Prices Index (RPI) to account for inflation. To put this year’s increase into perspective:

• The previous year’s lowest possible award was £1,200.

• The previous year’s maximum standard upper award capped out at £60,700.

 

How Do Tribunals Determine the Right Band?

An employment tribunal’s decision on which Vento band to apply depends heavily on the specific extent and overall impact that the discrimination or detriment had on the claimant.

When assessing a claim, tribunals will look closely at the facts of the case, including:

• Frequency: Whether the issue was a one-time, isolated event or a sustained course of conduct over a lengthy period.

• Impact: The psychological and emotional effect on the individual, for which supporting medical evidence is often incredibly useful.

 

The 10% Uplift Rule

It is also important to note regional differences in how final payouts are calculated:

• England & Wales: Tribunals will automatically apply a 10% Simmons v Castle uplift to the damages after calculating the initial Vento band formula.

• Scotland: Tribunal judges retain judicial discretion on whether or not to apply this 10% uplift.

 

Call us on 0800 368 8470 or arrange a chat at www.people.legal/contact for initial telephone advice.

Please note the information contained in this briefing is intended as a general review of the subject featured and is not a substitute for obtaining specific legal advice.