Family of 71-Year-Old Cleaner Fired by LSE Speaks Out Against ‘Unfair’ Treatment

• Janet Damiro’s family has publicly criticized misleading media narratives and lack of context in online discourse surrounding her termination from the London School of Economics.

• Aina Damiro, the daughter of Janet, has provided a detailed account of the incident that led to her mother’s dismissal, claiming it has been “blown out of proportion.”

The family of Janet Damiro, a 71-year-old cleaner recently dismissed by the London School of Economics (LSE), has issued a statement condemning the way the incident has been portrayed in the media and on social platforms.

In a detailed statement shared with PUNCH Online, Janet’s daughter, Aina Damiro, shed light on the events leading up to her mother’s termination, insisting that the matter has been “blown out of proportion.”

According to Aina, the incident occurred in February near the end of Janet’s morning shift when she found a bracelet on the floor. Janet intended to turn it in but accidentally forgot, leaving it in her coin wallet stored securely in her locker.

“When approached about the bracelet a few days later, she was honest and cooperative. She retrieved it immediately and explained what had happened. There was no denial or attempt to hide it,” Aina said.

The family expressed disappointment in how Janet’s actions have been portrayed, emphasizing that it was a genuine mistake not misconduct. They described the university’s response as excessively harsh and lacking empathy.

Janet, who had been employed at LSE for several years, was approaching retirement. Her family believes her age, service record, and intent should have been taken into consideration.

“To see her name and image used to suggest wrongdoing is not only unfair but deeply hurtful. This was an innocent mistake that has been misrepresented in a way that raises questions about how older workers, particularly women of colour in lower-paid roles, are treated,” the family said.

They also clarified that Janet had agreed to an interview with Metro UK to raise awareness about the daily struggles of workers like herself, not to invite public judgment.

The family concluded by urging the public and media to reframe the narrative with fairness and compassion, and called on institutions to show more consideration for long-serving, vulnerable employees.