Taking a stand against pregnancy discrimination 

Storm Botha had dedicated years to her career, thriving in a role she loved. But when she faced pregnancy discrimination in her workplace, everything changed. Isolated, unsupported, and struggling against unfair treatment, Storm knew she had to take action. That’s when she found Valla. With our guidance, she navigated the complexities of the employment tribunal process, regained her confidence, and fought for justice.

Storm spoke to us about her experience — from the challenges of workplace discrimination to finding empowerment through Valla’s support — and how she ultimately took back control of her future.

Within two weeks of informing my employer I was pregnant, everything changed

I had worked hard to build my career in marketing. But within two weeks of informing my employer I was pregnant, everything changed. I was called into a meeting with no agenda, no prior warning, and no option to bring someone along for support. I assumed it was about the seasonal promotions I had been working on. Instead, I was told I would be demoted to a factory role, my salary would be cut, and I would have to work in refrigerated conditions — despite being pregnant.

I was in shock. My partner and I had carefully planned for this child, ensuring we had financial stability. But suddenly, my job security vanished. I felt lost, confused, and worthless. When the meeting ended, a colleague noticed my distress and took me outside. I broke down completely. How was I going to support my family?

I knew something wasn’t right — but I didn’t know what to do.

That night, I reached out to a friend and explained what had happened. She asked me questions I couldn’t answer — because my employer hadn’t given me any answers. My friend supported me and explained this wasn’t right. I visited the Acas website to find out more about my rights. I decided to raise a formal grievance and sent it to my employer that same night. They never responded.

At this point, I felt completely overwhelmed. I didn’t want to deal with it. I just wanted someone else to handle it for me. 

I found a solicitor, but what I didn’t realise was that they were only assisting with a potential settlement — if my case went to tribunal, I would be on my own. I thought having legal representation meant I could step back. But I quickly learned that solicitors don’t remove you from the process — you still have to drive it. Every email, every response — they all needed my input. 

When my solicitor’s support ended, I was left scrambling to figure out my next steps alone. Then I found Valla — and everything changed.

Valla helped me realise that I could represent myself

I came across Valla through a Google search. I only wish I had found them sooner. Valla’s platform made organising my case simple. I could upload my evidence, store my emails, and structure my discrimination claim with references to legal documents. For the first time, I felt in control.

But what really made the difference were Valla’s online Employment Tribunal Support Groups. They weren’t just legal overviews — they were real people, at different stages of the Tribunal process, sharing their experiences. I met people who had just started their case, those in the middle of hearings, and even some who had won. Valla’s webinars gave me the answers to questions I couldn’t find anywhere else. How do I prepare for cross-examination? How do I address the judge? How do I handle intimidation from the opposing solicitors?

I attended four webinars throughout my tribunal journey. Each one gave me more confidence. It was empowering to hear from others who had stood where I stood — and won.

"No one knows your case better than you."

Valla helped me realise that I could represent myself. No one else had the full picture of what I had been through. My initial solicitor had missed crucial details. If I had relied on them entirely, my case wouldn’t have been as strong. By taking charge and getting support from Valla, I ensured my evidence was complete, my arguments were structured, and I was prepared for every stage.

I won my pregnancy discrimination case

When it came time for my Tribunal — a five-day hearing in Bristol — I was terrified. I had to cross-examine people I had worked with, people who had betrayed me. But with Valla’s guidance, I knew what to expect. I stuck to the facts. I didn’t let their solicitors manipulate my words. I knew my rights, and I stood firm.

The judge didn’t make a ruling immediately, but when I finally received the outcome, I was overwhelmed with relief. I had won my main pregnancy discrimination claim. More than the compensation, which amounted to around £20,000, it was the validation that mattered most. The legal system had backed me up. My employer could no longer dismiss what they had done — it was on record, permanently.

During the process, my employer’s legal team had attempted to silence me with settlement offers. They even included a clause stating that if I proceeded to tribunal and lost, they would come after me for legal fees. It was a scare tactic — one designed to make me back down. But I refused. I wasn’t just fighting for myself; I was fighting to make sure this didn’t happen to someone else.

You don’t have to do this alone

Valla gave me more than just legal resources. They gave me the confidence to fight back, the tools to organise my case, and the support of a community who understood exactly what I was going through. If you’re in a situation like mine, where you feel lost and powerless — know that you are not alone. With the right help, you can take a stand. You can win. And most importantly, you deserve justice.

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