Employment Tribunals

5. Awards

5.1 For unfair dismissal, the amount is made up of two elements.

• A basic award, calculated on a fixed formula, taking into account age and service. This award is capped at £9,900.
• A compensatory award based on the loss of past and future earnings and how unfair the dismissal was. Compensatory awards are capped at £63,000 - although they can be higher in certain cases (eg whistleblowing or health and safety claims).

5.2 Breach of contract awards in tribunals are capped at £25,000.

• Alternatively, an applicant can make an unlimited claim in the ordinary courts. Typically, this might happen if a director claims substantial compensation under the terms of an employment contract.

5.3 Discrimination case awards are unlimited.

• As well as loss of earnings, applicants can claim damages for injury to feelings.