I'm going to make this sound like I'm being greedy, and I'm really not, but I've never been through this process before and I just don't know what is reasonable.
Long story short, I left my employer for a much better, higher-paid job. However, before leaving I felt discriminated against following my maternity leave.
It had only really become clear to me once I'd left, so I raised a grievance with them. I went through the process, wasn't impressed with how they conducted the investigation, and decided to go through ACAS early conciliation.
In all honesty, I knew what had happened was wrong and they had treated me differently due to maternity leave...but I didn't have any definitive proof. When looking at it holistically you could argue on the balance of probability, but there was nothing there that acted as irrefutable evidence. I'd concluded that if it went to tribunal, I probably wouldn't win (due to my lack of evidence).
The firm said they wouldn't be accepting any liability as had found no evidence of wrongdoing, but would be open to resolving this informally with me.
I felt awkward, I hadn't mentioned a monetary figure yet. I wasn't remotely interested in negotiating with them or having any sort of back and forth, so I put forward a figure I felt was reasonable. It was a pretty modest sum (£6k), because ultimately I couldn't claim any financial loss due to voluntarily leaving for a higher paid job, and I couldn't demonstrate serious "injury to feeling".
Did I sell myself short? I was basically judging it on what I'd expect to get if I did go to tribunal...but they really screwed me over there and I guess I'm kind of thinking, they should pay out?!
Anyone help me feel better? Think I'm just a bit overwhelmed by it all.