Vento Bands Calculator
Estimated Injury to Feelings Award
Vento Band-
Band Range-
Estimated Award-
Aggravated Damages-
Total Injury to Feelings-
Current Vento Bands (April 2025)
| Band | Range | Typical Cases |
|---|---|---|
| Lower Band | £1,200 - £11,700 | Less serious cases, isolated or one-off incidents with limited impact |
| Middle Band | £11,700 - £35,200 | Serious cases not meriting upper band. Sustained discrimination with significant impact |
| Upper Band | £35,200 - £58,700 | Most serious cases. Lengthy campaign of harassment or discrimination |
| Exceptional | £58,700+ | Only the most exceptional cases warranting an award exceeding the upper band |
Figures from Employment Tribunal Presidential Guidance, updated annually. Awards are tax-free as they relate to injury to feelings, not loss of earnings.
Key Facts About Vento Awards
Tax Status
Tax-Free
Interest Rate
8% p.a.
Updated
Annually
Cap
None
Aggravated
Additional
Exemplary
Rare
How to Use This Calculator
1
Select discrimination type
The type of discrimination helps contextualise the claim but does not directly set the band.
2
Choose the severity
The severity determines which Vento band applies — lower, middle, upper, or exceptional.
3
Indicate duration
Longer periods of discrimination typically result in higher awards within the band.
4
Note aggravating factors
Deliberate or malicious conduct can attract additional aggravated damages.
5
Review the estimated award
The estimate shows the likely range and midpoint within the selected band.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Vento bands?
The Vento bands are guidelines set by the Court of Appeal in Vento v Chief Constable of West Yorkshire Police (2002) for awarding compensation for injury to feelings in discrimination cases. They are divided into three bands (lower, middle, upper) and are updated annually by the Presidents of the Employment Tribunals. The bands provide a framework but are not rigid limits.
Are Vento band awards taxable?
No. Injury to feelings awards are tax-free because they compensate for personal injury (injury to feelings) rather than loss of earnings. This applies to all Vento band awards and aggravated damages. However, any separate award for loss of earnings or notice pay may be taxable. Interest on the award is also tax-free.
How does the tribunal decide which band?
The tribunal considers: the seriousness of the discrimination, its duration and frequency, the impact on the claimant, whether the employer took steps to address it, any aggravating conduct by the employer, and the claimants vulnerability. A single remark might fall in the lower band, while a sustained campaign of bullying could justify the upper band.
What is interest on a discrimination award?
Interest is payable on injury to feelings awards at 8% per annum. For injury to feelings, interest runs from the date of the discriminatory act to the date of the tribunal award. For financial losses, interest runs from the midpoint of the loss period. This can add significantly to the total award.
Can I get more than the upper band?
In truly exceptional cases, the tribunal can award above the upper Vento band. This is rare and reserved for cases involving particularly egregious conduct. Some recent cases have seen awards above 100,000 pounds for injury to feelings alone, particularly in cases involving dismissal combined with serious harassment over extended periods.
Official Sources & References
- Employment Tribunal Presidential Guidance
- GOV.UK — Employment Tribunals
- Equality and Human Rights Commission
Data verified against official UK government sources. Last checked April 2026.