Issue 213 of the Equal Opportunities Review (Michael Rubenstein Publishing) contains the results of an annual survey of compensation awards in discrimination cases in England and Wales. The survey shows that the amount awarded in compensation in discrimination cases decreased significantly in 2010, with an overall amount of £5,313,390 compared with just under £8 m the previous year.
The survey is based on research of all cases filed by the Employment Tribunal Service in Bury St Edmunds, as well as cases sent to EOR by individual lawyers. It covers awards made in England and Wales, where the judgment was promulgated in 2010. The 2010 survey covers 391 cases, an increase on last year’s 375. This year’s survey includes six cases where the awards were over £100,000, compared with 14 such cases in 2009.
The total amount awarded by employment tribunals in discrimination cases in 2010 is £5,313,390. The interest added to that amount was much lower than usual, at £49,499, giving a total of £5,326,889. Almost half (43%) of the total was for injury to feelings (including aggravated damages), which came to £2,271,946. The overall average total award went down to £13,624, whereas the median increased to £8,000. The median injury to feelings award also increased, to £5,000.
This provides summary information and comment on the subject areas covered. Where employment tribunal and appellate court cases are reported, the information does not set out all of the facts, the legal arguments presented and the judgments made in every aspect of the case. Employment law is subject to constant change either by statute or by interpretation by the courts. While every care has been taken in compiling this information, we cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. Specialist legal advice must be taken on any legal issues that may arise before embarking upon any formal course of action.
