A convenience store employee in Bootle, Merseyside, was dismissed after attempting to stop a suspected shoplifter. Eileen Fox, 56, said the woman was 'well known' for stealing from the shop for years.
Fox described the incident on social media, stating she 'grabbed the sleeve of her coat and in the scuffle she banged into a metal stand'. She emphasised that no one was injured. Despite her actions being 'completely out of character', she was suspended the following day and later dismissed on 11 May.
Fox questioned the message sent by her sacking, saying: 'What message does this send to the thieves? Come on in, help yourselves, the staff in the shop can’t touch you, cause then they’ll be punished while you get away scot-free.'
A letter from One Stop claimed Fox had 'followed' the shoplifter and 'grabbed her and slammed her into a metal stand', but Fox said this exaggerated her actions. She maintained she only approached the woman and took hold of her sleeve.
One Stop said in a statement: 'The safety of our customers and colleagues is our absolute priority... We ask our colleagues never to risk their own safety, and we provide clear training to all colleagues on how best to respond to any incidents.'
The case follows similar incidents at other retailers, including Waitrose and Morrisons, where employees were sacked for intervening in shoplifting, sparking public outcry.
