Morrisons has defended its decision to dismiss a store manager following an altercation with a shoplifter in the run-up to Christmas, insisting proper procedures were followed.

Sean Egan, who had worked for the retailer for nearly three decades, was dismissed after an incident at his store in Aldridge, West Midlands, in early December last year. 

According to Egan, the incident began when he was alerted to a known shoplifter placing bottles of Jack Daniel’s whiskey into a bag in the aisle. After approaching the individual and requesting the items back, Egan said the situation escalated when the man became verbally abusive toward staff.

Egan said he attempted to follow company policy by escorting the individual from the premises, but matters escalated when the shoplifter spat at him. A physical struggle followed, during which Egan said the man struck him and attempted to reach into his bag, prompting further intervention.

‘Clash of heads’

“There’s a tussle between us, he’s throwing his arm at me, I’m falling backwards and we clash heads,” he said, insisting the clash of heads was unintentional.

The man was eventually removed from the store with assistance from another staff member and later apprehended by police nearby.

Egan said the individual was subsequently jailed for 46 weeks, adding: “In all of this, this guy goes to prison and I end up losing my job.”

The incident was reported internally and to police after the shoplifter alleged he had been assaulted. Egan said he was not suspended but was informed within days that he could face dismissal. 

Media attention

A disciplinary process followed, resulting in his dismissal. Egan challenged this via appeal and has since taken to LinkedIn and appeared on TV and radio to air his side of the story.

The former manager, who said he had never previously faced disciplinary action, described the experience as devastating for himself, his family and his mental health.

In response, Morrisons said it stood by its decision and emphasised its commitment to safety and procedure: “While we cannot comment on individual cases, we are confident that this matter was investigated thoroughly and that the correct process was followed. The subsequent reporting does not reflect the full facts of the situation.

“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.”

 

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