After 29 Years at Morrisons, Sean Egan, 46, Breaks Silence on His Sacking – Video Reveals That He Was Protecting His Customers

A store manager's three-decade career ended in seconds — but the moment that cost him everything is now being seen very differently by the public. Scroll down to hear what he had to say.

Sean Egan, 46, a store manager at Morrisons in Aldridge, West Midlands, was sacked in February 2026 after backhanding a shoplifter who had repeatedly spat in his face during a confrontation.

Egan, who had worked for the supermarket chain for 29 years — his only ever job — appeared on "Good Morning Britain" on Wednesday, 22 April, to share his side of the story, and his emotional account has since sparked widespread outrage.

Speaking on camera, Egan struggled to hold himself together as he explained what had happened. "I lost my job of 29 years with Morrisons because I..." he began, before trailing off, visibly overcome.

He composed himself and continued, "I was in a challenging situation where a shoplifter spat at me several times. And I reacted in a way where I had to defend myself. And I was put in a situation where, not only to defend myself, but to ensure that the customers and the staff around me, that they were safe also."

He walked viewers through the sequence of events. He had asked the culprit to leave, requested the stolen goods back — as per company policy — and informed him that the matter would be referred to the police.

It was then that the man spat at him. Egan reacted by backhanding him and removing him from the store. Morrisons subsequently launched an internal investigation, concluding that Egan had violated its do-not-detain policy, and let him go after nearly three decades of service.

The toll of that decision has been severe. Egan is now working as a window cleaner to keep up with bills and has missed multiple mortgage payments. On "Good Morning Britain", he reflected on the profound sense of loss that extended far beyond losing a pay cheque.

"I did class Morrisons as my family and they've been unsupportive throughout," he said. "And it's my only ever job. It's my only job that I've had in my entire life. It's all I've known."

He also acknowledged the harsh reality of re-entering a job market that looks nothing like the one he left. When he first joined Morrisons, all it took was a short interview. Now, he finds himself navigating a far more unforgiving landscape.

At the time of his appearance, he was still searching for work. Asked whether he would consider returning to a supermarket role, he admitted the experience had left a sour taste — but added that, at the end of the day, he has a family to provide for, and he will do whatever that requires.

Robert Jenrick, the former shadow justice secretary, was among those calling for Morrisons to reverse the decision. Writing on social media, Jenrick said the sacking was "another shameful decision," and that "brave security officers like Sean should be backed to the hilt when they confront shoplifters."

He went further, describing the situation as representative of a broader societal failure. "People who do the right thing are punished while those who cheat and cut corners are rewarded," he said. He called on the supermarket to hire Egan back immediately.

Morrisons, for its part, issued a statement defending its position, saying that the health and safety of colleagues and customers is "of paramount importance" and that its procedures for handling shoplifting incidents "seek to de-escalate and calmly control the situation".

The supermarket added that it would "not ask colleagues to put themselves at risk". The statement did little to quell public fury. Viewers who watched the "Good Morning Britain" interview were moved and incensed in equal measure.

"This is such a heartbreaking interview to watch. @morrisons have really messed up here. What a world we're living in," one viewer lamented.

"This interview was very emotional to watch he clearly held Morrisons in high esteem and was proud to work for them, he's lost more than his job he's heartbroken 💔 x," another grieved.

"This man needs a raise not lose his job!!!" a third exclaimed. "Disgraceful behaviour by Morrisons. I won't be shopping in your store again. Unbelievable," another fumed. "29 years! This man has been let down by the company - end of," a fifth declared.

Watch Egan's appearance on "Good Morning Britain" below: