Sean Egan, 46, worked for the supermarket chain for 29 years but was dismissed after he attempted to stop an alleged repeat shoplifter from leaving the shop in Aldridge, near Walsall — he is now taking his case to an employment tribunal
Mr Egan was dismissed for tacking a shoplifter
A Morrisons store manager who was dismissed by the supermarket chain after confronting an aggressive shoplifter has expressed his gratitude to the crowds who gathered to call for his reinstatement.
Sean Egan, 46, revealed he had worked for the supermarket giant for 29 years before being let go after he attempted to prevent a repeat shoplifter from leaving the store in Aldridge, near Walsall.
The contentious dismissal prompted the local community to rally together at a demonstration outside the supermarket in a show of solidarity for the former store manager, who also revealed what he would do if he was offered his job back.
Mr Egan attended Saturday’s protest and thanked the locals who have “backed him from the beginning”.
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The 46 year old became embroiled in a confrontation with career criminal Daniel Kendall, who spat in his face and turned aggressive inside the Morrisons store.
A subsequent disciplinary hearing ruled that Mr Egan, from Wolverhampton, should be dismissed for failing to adhere to the chain’s deter-and-not-detain policy.
(Image: FACEBOOK)
Mr Egan, who first joined the supermarket while still at school, maintained that he initially followed Morrisons’ protocol with a measured approach, but that Kendall began spitting at him, reports the Mirror.
Residents in Aldridge organised what they described as a peaceful protest outside Morrisons Aldridge between 9am and midday on Saturday, 25 April.
A banner at the event urged the supermarket to: “Do the right thing – reinstate Sean Egan.”
Footage from the demonstration showed Mr Egan arriving as supporters held aloft placards backing the sacked employee, while passing drivers beeped their horns in solidarity.
A banner for the protest to support Mr Egan
Mr Egan, in the video, praised the local community and said: “People of Aldridge have backed me from the beginning. They’ve backed me for years and for this support today, for everybody turning up… I really appreciate it, thank you ever so much. You mean the world to me.”
He went on to describe the area and its customers as “very unique”, adding: “The people in Aldridge that have always supported me and have been an amazing group of people and it’s a beautiful village and I’ve worked in lots of stores and it’s very unique and thank you for everything you’ve done and are doing for me.”
A GoFundMe page established on behalf of Mr Egan by regular customers of the Aldridge store has so far raised in excess of £16,000. The fundraiser stated: “Now, Sean is facing one of the toughest challenges of his life.
“After decades of loyal service, he is taking his case to an employment tribunal to challenge what he believes is an unfair and disproportionate outcome. This isn’t just about one moment, it’s about fairness, loyalty, and standing up for what’s right.”
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A Morrisons spokesperson had previously commented: “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.”