Sean Egan, a store manager with 29 years of service at a Morrisons branch in Aldridge, near Walsall, claims he was sacked following an incident in December. Egan stated that he intervened when a repeated shoplifter became aggressive and spat at him while being escorted from the premises. He was reportedly dismissed for not following the company's "deter-and-not-detain" policy. Egan, 46, who began his career at the supermarket at 17, has expressed feelings of being unheard and disposable, stating the dismissal has significantly impacted his personal life and job prospects.
The core of the dispute centers on Egan's adherence to company policy versus his reaction to an aggressive individual. Egan maintains his actions were an "instant reaction" to the shoplifter's behaviour, which included spitting. He reported the incident to the police, but Morrisons initiated its own investigation, culminating in his dismissal. The supermarket chain has declined to comment on individual cases, emphasizing that the health and safety of colleagues and customers are paramount.
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Egan's dismissal has drawn criticism, with some, including MP Robert Jenrick, calling for his reinstatement. Jenrick described the sacking as "everything that's wrong in our society" and urged Morrisons to reverse the decision. Meanwhile, reports indicate the shoplifter involved was later jailed for a separate crime spree.
Egan, who resides in Lanesfield, Wolverhampton, described feeling pressure to protect company assets and staff, alongside the immediate threat posed by the shoplifter's aggression. The incident occurred while he was replenishing shelves, and he noted the shoplifter was attempting to conceal stolen items. His last pay was reportedly received in January. Egan has since found work as a window cleaner.
Morrisons' official stance is that it has "very clear guidance, procedures and controls in place to protect our colleagues and customers from the risk of harm, which must be strictly followed." This incident echoes a similar case involving a Waitrose employee recently sacked for confronting a shoplifter.
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