We believe Janet

Aim: Support 70-year-old migrant cleaner Janet summarily dismissed from the London School of Economics (LSE) over a simple mistake.

“I don’t steal. I’m not a thief.” – Help me fight for justice

My name is Janet Olufunke Damiro. I’m 70 years old, a grandmother, and I’ve worked as a cleaner at the London School of Economics (LSE)in London for over 13 years without a single issue, until now.

Earlier this year, I was suddenly dismissed without notice or pay over a simple, honest mistake. I found a bracelet while cleaning, meant to hand it in after my shift, and forgot. As soon as I remembered, I returned it. But they sacked me on the spot.

I’ve apologised over and over, but I’ve been left without a job, without income, and without justice. At my age, who will hire me now? I still have rent and bills to pay.

This has broken me. They look at me like I'm a thief and I fell I've been treated like a criminal. I can’t sleep. I feel ashamed, but I did nothing wrong. I am not a thief.

With the help of my union, United Voices of the World (UVW), I will be taking legal action against LSE for what I believe is an unfair, discriminatory dismissal. Over 70 of my colleagues, and three of my supervisors, have signed a petition demanding my reinstatement. They know who I am: a hard worker, a kind person, someone who made one mistake. 

LSE should not be allowed to treat people like this. My case seems to fit into a wider, troubling pattern of how LSE treats its cleaners, many of whom are Black, brown, migrant, and older women like me. The way I was dismissed - suddenly, harshly, and without real consideration - feels deeply discriminatory. Would a white colleague in my position have been treated this way? It’s hard to believe they would.

Please help me raise funds to cover legal costs and support me during this incredibly difficult time. Every donation is a step toward justice.

With love and thanks,
Janet