How are injury to feelings awards calculated?

When you claim injury to feelings, the tribunal applies the Vento bands as a framework, but then tailors the award to the findings it makes and your unique situation. It weighs severity, duration, personal impact, vulnerability.

Severity of behaviour

Tribunals look closely at how serious and overt the conduct was—such as racial slurs or public humiliations—which often would support a finding of a deeper emotional harm

Duration and Frequency

While one incident can sometimes fall within a higher band, repeated disrespectful behaviour or harassment could well support a finding the matter deserves a higher award as its impact may be more serious.

Personal vulnerability and emotional impact

This is the key factor: the impact it had on you. Your individual situation—such as pre-existing anxiety, confidence issues, or panic attacks—matters. Evidence like diaries, medical records, or witness statements is crucial

Effect on personal life and career

Tribunals assess how discrimination affected your job prospects, personal relationships, sense of self-worth, or mental health outside work.

Employer's actions

The award is aimed at compensating you for the harm you have suffered and not to punish the employer for the behaviour they carried out. However, if your employer ignored complaints or acted in bad faith, this can increase the award if it impacted upon you. Conversely, if they took steps to address the issue quickly, it can reduce the award as it may be that that action would reduce the impact on you.