Overview
- A protest outside Morrisons in Aldridge drew supporters who called for Sean Egan to be reinstated, and the former manager thanked the crowd for standing by him.
- Egan was dismissed after a December 2025 incident in which police later named Daniel Kendall as the suspect who tried to steal alcohol and spat at him, with Morrisons citing its deter‑not‑detain rule that tells staff to avoid physical detention.
- Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said he was "bewildered" by the sacking and urged lawful public help against crime when it can be done safely, while also criticising some retailers for poor cooperation with police investigations.
- Egan says the loss of his nearly 30‑year job has hit his mental health and finances, a community fundraiser has topped £12,000, and he plans to challenge the decision at an employment tribunal.
- Morrisons reaffirmed that colleague and customer safety is paramount and said it will not ask staff to put themselves at risk, as rising shoplifting rates have pushed stores and police to different responses on how to handle theft.