Iceland Offers Job to Waitrose Worker Sacked for Tackling ‘Easter Egg Shoplifter’

The boss of Iceland has publicly offered a job to the Waitrose employee who says he was sacked after tackling a shoplifter trying to steal Easter eggs.

Walker Smith, who worked at the Clapham Junction branch for 17 years, was dismissed two days after getting into a brief struggle with a thief attempting to flee with chocolate. He told The Guardian he apologised to his manager after the incident, but the matter was escalated and he ultimately lost his job.

Now, Iceland’s executive chairman Lord Richard Walker has stepped in — posting on LinkedIn:

“You’re welcome to a job with us. We even share the same name…”

It’s not yet known whether Smith has responded to the offer.

Waitrose defends decision, citing ‘danger to life’

Waitrose has faced mounting criticism over the dismissal, with senior Conservatives urging the supermarket to reinstate Smith. Shadow home secretary Chris Philp said the sacking “sent entirely the wrong message” and “penalises those who act”.

But Waitrose insists the decision was made to protect staff, saying:

“We refuse to put anyone’s life at risk. Nothing we sell is worth risking lives for.”

The supermarket said its policies are designed to prevent serious harm, noting that some employees have previously been hospitalised after confronting shoplifters.

Retailers warn shoplifting is becoming more violent

The row comes as major retailers warn of a surge in aggressive and organised shoplifting.

Marks & Spencer retail director Thinus Keeve said crime in stores is becoming “more brazen, more organised and more aggressive”, with some branches now forced to security‑tag everyday items like chocolate, butter and meat.

M&S chief executive Stuart Machin has also written to the home secretary following recent antisocial behaviour in Clapham, where crowds attempted to storm shops.

Half a million shoplifting offences recorded — and many more unreported

The Office for National Statistics says more than 500,000 shoplifting offences were recorded in England and Wales last year — the highest on record. Retailers believe the true figure is far higher, with many incidents going unreported due to a lack of police action and weak penalties.

Iceland boss calls for tougher security powers

Lord Walker has been outspoken about retail crime, recently suggesting security guards should be allowed to carry truncheons and pepper spray to deal with violent offenders.

His offer to hire Smith adds further pressure on Waitrose as the debate over staff safety, shoplifting and corporate responsibility intensifies.

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