A long-time supermarket manager was fired after trying to stop a violent shoplifter, sparking a wave of community support for the dismissed employee.
Sean Egan, 46, had dedicated 29 years to Morrisons but faced dismissal when he confronted a habitual shoplifter at the Aldridge store near Walsall. The local community has united to back Egan by planning a protest outside the supermarket.
Egan found himself in a confrontation with repeat offender Daniel Kendall, who became aggressive and spat at him inside the store.
Supporters of the “loyal” manager have organized a fundraising effort and scheduled a peaceful demonstration against his termination. The protest is set to occur outside Morrisons Aldridge on Saturday, April 25.
A banner at the protest demanded the reinstatement of Egan, describing him as a generous individual who has contributed to the community.
Following the altercation with Kendall, a disciplinary hearing concluded that Egan, from Wolverhampton, breached the store’s policy by attempting to detain the shoplifter.
Egan, who joined Morrisons at 17, stated he followed the company’s guidelines with a calm approach initially, but Kendall’s behavior escalated to spitting.
In an interview with the Daily Mail, Egan expressed disappointment, saying he only aimed to protect himself, customers, and the company. He feels unfairly treated compared to Kendall.
A GoFundMe page established by local patrons of the Aldridge store has raised over £12,000 to support Egan’s legal battle against his dismissal, emphasizing the importance of fairness and loyalty.
In response, a Morrisons spokesperson emphasized their commitment to ensuring the safety of employees and customers, highlighting the strict protocols in place to handle incidents like shoplifting while prioritizing the well-being of all involved.
