Morrisons store manager says he was sacked for tackling shoplifter

Despite calling the police, the former manager was later investigated by Morrisons, he said.

“It’s the only job I’ve ever had and known since I was 17.”

Now the 46-year-old said he was struggling with his job prospects and personal life after being dismissed.

“It’s difficult to get on with my normal life, it’s impacted my personal life – with my children, my partner and socially,” Egan added.

“My last pay was January and we’re barely surviving.

“I’ve given so much to a business where I’ve actually lived for work… but it in that moment I felt like everything I had given was attacked.”

He expressed frustration over the lack of support and adequate policies to protect employees from theft and violence.

In a statement, a Morrisons spokesperson said: “We are continuing to take wide ranging action to address the threat of shoplifting or violence in our stores.

“The health and safety of all colleagues and customers is of paramount importance to Morrisons.

“We have very clear guidance, procedures and controls in place to protect our colleagues and customers from the risk of harm, which must be strictly followed.

“These include detailed procedures for handling shoplifting incidents, which are in place to protect both the colleague involved and surrounding colleagues and customers, and which seek to de-escalate and calmly control the situation.

“We will not ask colleagues to put themselves at risk.

“As a responsible employer, our focus is entirely on taking the correct action to ensure health and safety is maintained at all times.”