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Waitrose employee sacked after tackling 'Easter egg shoplifter' should be reinstated, Tories say
The Conservatives say the 54-year-old should be reinstated and rewarded after a brief struggle over Easter eggs, as Waitrose cites staff safety policies.
- Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp called Waitrose's dismissal of shop assistant Walker Smith "disgracefully" and demanded his reinstatement, with the Conservatives backing the employee fired after tackling a shoplifter stealing Easter eggs.
- Waitrose maintains that tackling shoplifters poses a "serious danger to life," citing past incidents where employees were hospitalized and emphasizing that safety policies are strictly enforced to prevent staff injuries.
- Smith told the publication he regretted his actions but felt spurred by watching thefts "every hour of every day for the last five years," later questioning, "Why did I do that."
- In a letter to Waitrose managing director Tom Denyard, Philp called for Smith to receive a bonus "for his bravery an initiative," though Waitrose responded that reporting does not cover the "full facts of the situation."
- Latest figures show shoplifting offences rose by 5% in the year to September 2025, while Waitrose stated it followed the "correct process" including an appeals procedure in handling Smith's case.
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources14
Leaning Left2Leaning Right4Center6Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Center
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources are Center
50% Center
L 17%
C 50%
R 33%
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