71-year-old grandmother fights to clear her name after being sacked by LSE over lost bracelet

Janet Olufunke Damiro, a 71-year-old grandmother, is fighting to clear her name after being dismissed from her cleaning job of 13 years at the London School of Economics (LSE). The dismissal followed an allegation that she stole a bracelet.

Damiro, a Nigerian-born cleaner who moved to the UK in 1971, said she simply forgot to report a bracelet she found while working at LSE’s Saw Swee Hock Student Centre. She placed the bracelet in her purse for safekeeping, intending to return it later.

“I can’t sleep,” Janet told Metro. “I have never had a bad record or been to HR before in my life. LSE have treated me really badly. It was my only job and I loved working there. I never expected to be suspended or dismissed. I did not steal this thing. If I see any items I always hand them over. This is the first time in my life I have had a problem like this since I came to this country. It is really bugging me.”

Three days after the bracelet went missing, Janet said she was approached by university management. She immediately returned the item and apologised. Despite this, she was suspended and ultimately dismissed in late April for gross misconduct.

Now, more than 70 of her colleagues, including three supervisors, have written a joint letter to LSE’s management vouching for her character.

“Janet has always conducted herself with integrity and consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic,” the letter states, adding that they can “confidently speak to her professionalism and dedication.”

Her union, United Voices of the World (UVW), is challenging the decision and has launched an appeal.

A UVW spokesperson said: “It is ludicrous and absurd that someone can conclude she was committing an act of theft. It is common sense. If you were to steal an item, you’re not going to keep bringing it back to where you’ve stolen it. Janet is absolutely horrified at the thought that anyone would think she had stolen anything. The level of scrutiny that she has been placed under is totally disproportionate to Janet’s cooperation, honesty and track record.”

Janet says the experience has left her “broken,” without work, and struggling to pay her rent. “I have been left without a job, without income, and without justice,” she said.

LSE has declined to comment, citing the ongoing nature of the case.

Meanwhile, students at the university have launched a petition demanding Janet’s reinstatement. The petition reads, “It is deeply disturbing that LSE would seek such sweeping punishment for a minor mistake.”