Increase to bands of compensation for injury to feeling awards
An Important announcement has recently been made by the Presidents of the Employment Tribunal in England, Wales and Scotland who have released a joint response on what is commonly known as the Vento Bands of discrimination and relates to the original authority of Vento -v- Chief Constable of West Yorkshire.This originally brought in lower, middle and upper bands of compensation for injury to feeling.
The announcement confirms increases to these bands relating to all protected characterists for unlawful discrimination for example sex and race discrimination.
The new bands take account of inflation, as well as the 10% uplift to psychiatric injury or injury to feelings awards which was recommended by the Court of Appeal in Da Souza v Vinci Construction).
The new Vento bands are now as follows:
- Lower Band – Less serious cases: £800-£8,400
- Middle Band £8,400-£25,200
- Upper Band – Most Serious Cases: £25,200-£42,000
- Exceptional Cases – £42,000+
These increases took effect as of 11 September 2017 and apply to claims presented to an employment tribunal on or after that date. In relation to claims filed before this date, employment tribunals will have the option of adjusting the bands to reflect inflation and the Presidential Guidance will further set out the methodology for doing so.
The Guidance will be reviewed and if necessary, amended again in March 2018 and annually thereafter, with the new bands taking effect on the following 6th April, if applicable.
For further information contact Steven Eckett our Head of Employment either by email at seckett@meaby.co.uk or by telephone on 020 770 5034.
