What are Vento bands in discrimination claims?

Vento bands set the range within which Employment Tribunals award injury to feelings compensation in discrimination claims (sex, race, disability, age, religion, sexual orientation, etc.). The name comes from the Court of Appeal case Vento v Chief Constable of West Yorkshire Police [2002]. The bands are updated each April to reflect inflation by the Employment Tribunal Presidential Guidance.

The lower band (approximately £1,200–£11,700) covers less serious one-off acts: a single discriminatory remark, a single act of unfavourable treatment. The middle band (£11,700–£35,200) covers more serious cases: sustained treatment, repeated acts, or a pattern of discrimination. The upper band (£35,200–£58,700) is reserved for the most serious cases — deliberate, sustained, or particularly demeaning treatment — and should only be used in exceptional circumstances.

The injury to feelings award is separate from and in addition to financial loss compensation. It is not subject to income tax. Exceptionally serious cases can also attract aggravated damages on top of the Vento award.