Employment Tribunal Award Calculator

Employment tribunal compensation has two main elements: the basic award and the compensatory award. The basic award for unfair dismissal is calculated like statutory redundancy pay: 0.5 week's pay per year of service under age 22, 1 week per year aged 22–40, and 1.5 weeks per year aged 41+, subject to a weekly pay cap (currently £700).

The compensatory award covers financial losses — loss of earnings, loss of pension contributions, loss of statutory rights and expenses. It is capped at the lower of 52 weeks' pay or £115,115 (2026/27 figure). For discrimination claims, there is no cap on compensation and an award for injury to feelings (Vento bands) may apply.

This calculator estimates both components based on your age, length of service, weekly pay and claim type. It includes the Vento bands for injury to feelings: lower band (£1,200–£11,200), middle band (£11,200–£33,700) and upper band (£33,700–£56,200).

Unfair dismissal claims — qualifying conditions. Need 2 years' continuous service to claim ordinary unfair dismissal (exception: automatic unfair dismissal reasons like trade union activity, pregnancy, whistleblowing — no service requirement). Claim within 3 months of dismissal (extended to 6 months for some reasons). ACAS Early Conciliation mandatory — first contact ACAS to attempt resolution before tribunal claim. Tribunal fees abolished July 2017 (Supreme Court ruled them unlawful).

Compensation limits 2026/27. Basic award (similar to statutory redundancy): up to 30 × £735 weekly cap = £22,050 max. Compensatory award (loss of earnings, future loss): capped at lower of £118,223 OR 52 weeks gross pay. Total typical award: £5,000-£25,000 for ordinary unfair dismissal. Discrimination claims (protected characteristics): NO cap on compensation — can exceed £100,000 for serious cases.

Discrimination claims — wider protections. Protected characteristics under Equality Act 2010: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, race, religion/belief, sex, sexual orientation. No service requirement for discrimination claims. Can include compensation for: financial loss (no cap), injury to feelings (Vento bands: £1,200-£60,000+), aggravated/exemplary damages in serious cases. Time limit: 3 months from act of discrimination.

Pre-tribunal — settlement and Acas. Most claims settle without going to full tribunal. Settlement agreements: legally binding, requires independent legal advice for employee (typically employer pays £500-£1,500 toward advice). Settlement amounts: often equivalent to 3-12 months' salary depending on prospects of success. Acas Early Conciliation: free, confidential mediation lasting 6 weeks. ~75% of claims resolve without going to tribunal hearing.