Nigerian Loses Job Offer In The UK Because Her Hair Was Braided

A young Nigerian lady living in the United Kingdom claimed she had a job offer withdrawn by a company just because her hair was braided.

Bournemouth University graduate, Lara Odofin, wrote about the discrimination she had faced in a post on Facebook on Monday and was astonished when it quickly went viral and was shared 3,000 times.

She also posted a picture of the email she had received from the company, which read: "Unfortunately we cannot accept braids – it is simply part of the uniform and grooming requirements we get from our clients.

"If you are unable to take them out, I unfortunately won't be able to offer you any work."

In her own post, she wrote: "So after being accepted for a position within this company, they have TAKEN BACK the offer of a position on the grounds that if I do not take my braids out. 

"Naturally I simply cannot work for the company. 

"This type of discrimination should not still be happening in this day and age and any establishment still condoning such practices deserve to be shamed and criticised."

She added: "Being a black woman means that to have a long term hairstyle that stays neat is always going to be a problem. 

"Having braids that last for two to four months and can be packed neatly and styled to however a workplace requires is the solution to this problem.

"No workplace has any right to forbid you from this. This is discrimination and I am disgusted that I had to be subject to such behaviour in this 21st century. It is not okay."

Ms Odoffin, who has chosen not to name the company, then said: "I will be speaking to a lawyer about this tomorrow and will be contacting the company."

Both of her posts, which quickly went viral, attracted a huge amount of support from others.

One woman wrote: "Disgraceful!!! Huge complaints needed!"

Another said: "Disgraceful. PLEASE name and shame these morons."

Another woman wrote: "You look beautiful with braids. Any company who wouldn't take you on because of this is idiotic and racist! Good luck with your legal action girl, not that you'll need it." 

Source: Stella Dimoko Korkus