April 2026 Update: What Employers Need to Know About the Revised Vento Bands

The Employment Tribunal uses what are called Vento Bands in discrimination cases under the Equality Act 2010. These bands help decide how much compensation someone should receive for the emotional impact of discrimination, such as distress, humiliation, or anxiety. These bands act as guidelines to keep awards fair and consistent. Because the cost of living and workplace expectations change over time, the bands are reviewed every year to make sure they stay up to date and reflect current conditions.

From 6 April 2026, significant uplifts have been confirmed for all three bands. The lower band now begins at £1,300, the middle band at £12,600, and the upper band starts at £37,700, with a new maximum cap of £62,900, other than in exceptional cases. These increases continue the trend of annual inflation-linked adjustments and signal that tribunals expect to award higher sums for proven injury-to-feelings claims going forward.

For employers, the latest revisions carry practical and financial implications. Higher Vento bands increase potential exposure where discrimination is alleged and upheld. Even in cases involving no financial loss, injury-to-feelings awards can be substantial, particularly where behaviour is persistent or serious.

The rising bands highlight the importance of ensuring that equality compliance remains a priority. Issues like poorly handling grievances, inappropriate conduct by managers, or a failure to tackle workplace cultural problems can now result in more costly outcomes.

To stay compliant and reduce the risk of costly claims, employers should take the following practical steps:

• Review and update equality, bullying and harassment policies.
• Refresh training, especially for line managers, focusing on appropriate behaviour and handling complaints sensitively.
• Encourage early reporting and ensure all concerns are properly investigated.
• Document decision-making and workplace processes to demonstrate compliance.

With Vento compensation levels climbing from April 2026, now is the time for employers to reinforce their commitment to a fair, respectful, and inclusive workplace. Ensuring robust policies and well-trained staff can significantly reduce the likelihood of costly claims.

Our Employment team are here to provide practical advice to protect your business. We offer straightforward, hands-on support and maintain a positive and compliant workplace.

We also provide a range of fixed fee services, including our HR & Employment Law Protection Package, designed to give you cost certainty and peace of mind. Alongside this, our HR Hamper Training Platform helps keep your staff informed and up to date. For more details about our fixed fee packages, or to speak to one of our experts, contact our team today.

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