The annual update to the employment tribunal awards for injury to feelings was published on 30 March 2026. The new guidance provides updates to the Vento bands which have been adjusted to account for changes to the Retail Price Index (RPI).
What are Vento bands?
Vento bands are the guidelines used by the UK Employment Tribunal to calculate compensation awards for injury to feelings in respect of discrimination and whistleblowing claims. They are updated annually in accordance with RPI.
April 2026 Update
The new Vento bands are:
- A lower band of £1,300 to £12,600 applicable to less serious cases. This is an increase on the current lower band of £1,200 to £12,100.
- A middle band of £12,600 to £37,700 for cases which are more serious than those falling within the lower band, but which do not merit the upper band. This is an increase on the current middle band of £12,100 to £36,400.
- An upper band of £37,700 to £62,900 reserved for the most serious cases. This is an increase on the current upper band of £36,400 to £60,700.
- In the most exceptional cases, amounts greater than £62,900 may be awarded.
The new bands will apply to employment tribunal claims for discrimination and whistleblowing presented on or after 6 April 2026.
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