What is injury to feelings compensation
If you've been unlawfully discriminated against or victimised at work, you may claim injury to feelings compensation. This is a non-financial award for emotional distress—like worry, anger, humiliation—not tied to your financial losses.
When can you claim it?
You can claim injury to feelings in discrimination, harassment, whistleblowing detriment or dismissal cases under the Equality Act 2010. It doesn't apply for general unfair dismissal.
How does the Tribunal decide the amount?
The tribunal uses a structure called the "Vento bands" to award damages. From 6 April 2025, the bands are:
- Lower band: £1,200–£12,100 — for isolated or less serious incidents
- Middle band: £12,100–£36,400 — for sustained or repeated distress
- Upper band: £36,400–£60,700+ — for the most serious matters
How do Tribunals calculate the award?
Tribunals look at factors like:
- Severity and duration of the conduct
- Emotional impact (stress, humiliation, upset)
- Claimant's vulnerability and medical issues
- How evidence (diaries, messages, witness statements) shows the harm
- Whether the employer handled it badly or made things
Where this sits in a claim
Take this further
If this helped and you want more than the free guide, there are two ways to go further: