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Nigerian woman denied a job in the U.K because of her braids

A young Nigerian woman has gone viral all over the world after she claimed that her job offer was withdrawn by a company just because her hair is braided.

Lara Odoffin

In a Facebook post which has now been shared more than 3,000 times, Lara Odoffin explained that she had a job offer revoked because of her hair.

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The Bournemouth University graduate 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.’

The email which Lara received from her prospective employer reads: ‘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 wont’ be able to offer you any work.’

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Reacting to the shocking message, Lara wrote: ‘This type of discrimination should not still be happening in this day and age… 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.’

Lara explains why she opts for braids, saying: ‘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 2-4 months and can be packed neatly and styled to however a workplace requires is the solution to this problem.’

In a follow-up post, Lara explains: ‘I am not currently naming the company (as much as i’d like to right now out of indignation and anger) because I do not intend to destroy someones livelihood and business, and I don’t really want a lawsuit on my hands either’

Although she does confirm: ‘I will be speaking to a lawyer about this tomorrow and will be contacting the company.’

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