More than £20,000 has been raised by the Aldridge community to support Sean Egan, a Morrisons manager who was sacked after tackling a shoplifter at the chain's Aldridge store. Egan, 46, confronted a 'prolific' shoplifter who spat in his face last December, wrestling the man to the ground. After an investigation, Morrisons dismissed him for failing to follow the supermarket's do-not-detain policy.
Community fundraiser exceeds £20,000
The fundraiser, set up to support Egan with legal costs for his employment tribunal and living expenses, has raised more than £20,000, with a target of £22,000. Organisers said: 'Sean has spent years supporting others, now it's our chance to support him.' Egan, who had worked for Morrisons for nearly 30 years, said the incident was 'blown out of proportion' and that he had 'seconds to protect customers and colleagues, but none of that was taken into account.'
Egan's financial struggles after dismissal
Speaking to BirminghamLive in April, Egan revealed he was missing mortgage payments and had taken up window-cleaning to make ends meet. He described Morrisons as 'family' before his dismissal in February. The community has rallied to support the 'true hero,' with the fundraiser aiming to cover his tribunal costs and living expenses.
Morrisons defends its policy
Morrisons stated that they have 'very clear guidance, procedures and controls in place' for handling shoplifting incidents, and that colleague and customer health and safety is 'of paramount importance.' The supermarket chain ruled that Egan was at fault for not following the do-not-detain policy.
Egan prepares for tribunal
Egan is now preparing to challenge his dismissal at an employment tribunal. The case has sparked debate about the balance between store policies and employee actions in the face of shoplifting threats. The fundraiser continues to grow as the community backs Egan's fight.
