Sean Egan, a 46-year-old former Morrisons store manager who was dismissed after confronting an aggressive shoplifter, has expressed his gratitude to the crowds who gathered to call for his reinstatement. Egan had worked for the supermarket chain for 29 years before being let go following an incident in Aldridge, near Walsall.
Community Rallies in Support
The contentious dismissal prompted the local community to organise a peaceful protest outside the Morrisons store in Aldridge on Saturday, 25 April, between 9am and midday. Demonstrators held placards reading: "Do the right thing - reinstate Sean Egan." Passing drivers beeped their horns in solidarity.
Egan attended the protest and thanked the locals who have "backed him from the beginning." In a video from the demonstration, he 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."
The Incident
Egan became embroiled in a confrontation with career criminal Daniel Kendall, who spat in his face and turned aggressive inside the store. A disciplinary hearing ruled that Egan should be dismissed for failing to adhere to Morrisons' deter-and-not-detain policy. Egan maintained that he initially followed protocol but that Kendall escalated the situation by spitting.
Fundraiser and Tribunal
A GoFundMe page established by regular customers has raised over £16,000 to support Egan. The fundraiser states: "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."
Morrisons Response
A Morrisons spokesperson said: "The health and safety of all colleagues and customers is of paramount importance. 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."
