Compensation

In the period 1 April 2011 to 31 March 2012 compensation, where it was awarded by the tribunal, remained generally low.

Although the maximum amount of compensation ordered was £4,445,023 (in a race discrimination claim) this huge figure does not give a realistic impression of what an average earning worker is likely to be awarded.

A much more accurate idea of the typical amount of compensation likely to be achieved for different claims can be ascertained by looking at the median award (the midpoint in the range of awards). This figure is more helpful than the average which can be skewed by the inclusion of very high and very low results. Claimants should be informed of both the median and average figures.

The median award for unfair dismissal was £4,560 (£4,591 the year before); for religion/belief discrimination it was £4,267 (£6,892); for race discrimination it was £5,256 (£6,277); for age discrimination it was £6,065 (£12,697); for sex discrimination it was £6,746 (£6,078); for disability discrimination it was £8,298 (£6,142); and for sexual orientation discrimination it was £13,505 (£5,500).

The average award for unfair dismissal was £9,133 (£8,924 the year before); for religion/belief discrimination it was £16,725 (£8,515); for race discrimination it was £102,259 (£12,108); for age discrimination it was £19,327 (£30,289); for sex discrimination it was £9,940 (£13,911); for disability discrimination it was £22,183 (£14,137); and for sexual orientation discrimination it was £14,623 (£11,671).

www.justice.gov.uk/statistics/tribunals/employment-tribunal-and-eat-statistics-gb