In February 2024, it was reported by The Standard and The Guardian that an Ecuadorian cleaner was dismissed by the cleaning agency Total Clean after eating a ‘leftover sandwich’ while cleaning the offices of the London law firm Devonshire Solicitors.

The worker is taking legal action against Devonshire Solicitors for ‘indirect race discrimination’, according to The Guardian. Legal action is also being taken against Total Clean for unfair dismissal and direct race discrimination. United Voices of the World union members have also protested outside Devonshire Solicitors offices in response to the dismissal.

Total Clean has described the allegations as ‘misleading and inaccurate’. A spokesperson told The Guardian, “…It is important to us to maintain the integrity of our workforce and service by ensuring we deal appropriately with any actions that undermine the hard work and reputation of our incredible team…All steps taken have been in accordance with UK employment law…”.

A spokesperson for Devonshire Solicitors said: " Devonshires did not make a formal complaint against Gabriela and expressly told Total Clean not to take any action against her. Total Clean carried out their own investigation and the decision to dismiss Gabriela was taken without any input or influence from Devonshires whatsoever…This is a private matter between Total Clean and Gabriela but we have made clear to Total Clean that we would not object – as we never have done – to Gabriela attending and working on our premises if Total Clean changes its position.”