Vento v Chief Constable of West Yorkshire Police EWCA Civ 1871 is a UK labour law case, concerning the measure of damages for discrimination under the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 (now covered by the Equality Act 2010). It set out a three band scale of damages, known as the Vento bands, which are updated each year for inflation.
Facts
In December 1995, Vento joined West Yorkshire Police. Whilst making good progress within the first year of her career, other officers criticised her conduct and character, as well as her personal life, described as occurring in an 'unwarranted, aggressive and demoralising manner'. As a result of the behaviour, Vento took some time off work, however, on returning to work, the incidents continued.
Vento was dismissed from West Yorkshire Police in 1997 and in 1998, brought a claim that her dismissal was as a result of unlawful sex discrimination.
Judgment The Court of Appeal of England and Wales held that damages should be reduced, in order to make the scale consistent with awards in other fields of law.
See also
UK labour law
Notes For cases begun on or after 6 April 2025, the uprated Vento Bands for injury to feelings awards are,
Lower band: £1,200 to £11,700 (for less serious cases).
Middle band: £11,700 to £35,200 (mid-range cases).
Upper band: £35,200 to £58,700 (most serious cases).
The bands are usually updated annually on 6 April and the date is relevant to when a claim is presented to a Tribunal.
References