A public discussion broke out in Great Britain after the dismissal of a long-time employee of the Waitrose chain. Smith worked in its stores for 17 years.
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As he reported in an interview with “The Guardian”, before Easter, he noticed a man hiding chocolate eggs and bunnies in a bag. Smith claims it was a thief known from previous incidents. The employee took his bag and a scuffle ensued.
During the incident, one of the chocolate products fell to the ground, and Smith himself, as he admitted, “out of frustration” he threw a piece of chocolate towards the shopping carts.
Violation of procedures may result in dismissal
Although the employee explained his actions as a desire to protect the store, the consequences turned out to be serious. He was released because, according to the report, he was previously prohibited from intervening against thieves.
In accordance with the rules applicable in many retail chains, such activities are reserved only for trained personnel, e.g. security or store detectives. Smith admitted that he tried to stay calm after the decision to be fired, but, as he said, “inwardly he was devastated.”
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The former salesman claims that shoplifting was common. As he described, they included both minor incidents involving young people and more serious cases, e.g. alcohol theft.
In his opinion, employees are helpless in such situations because they have no authority to respond. This, according to him, promotes a sense of impunity among perpetrators.
The case reached the world of politics. There is also a retail stand
The case quickly gained publicity. Conservative MP Chris Philp assessed that the situation shows the growing boldness of criminals and lack of fear of consequences.
The politician called for Smith's reinstatement, arguing that his firing sends “totally the wrong signal.”
The Waitrose chain responded to the case, emphasizing that media reports do not present the full picture of the situation. In a comment to the BBC, the company said it could not discuss the details of individual cases, but assured that appropriate procedures had been followed.
Uncertain future of the dismissed employee
For Smith himself the consequences are very real.
As he admitted, he recently moved into a new apartment and is afraid that without a stable income he will not be able to maintain it. It does not even rule out the risk of homelessness.
