Sainsbury’s dismisses worker for intervening in shoplifting incident

Sainsbury’s has dismissed Jorge Costa, a 57-year-old fruit and vegetable manager at the Hertford store, following his intervention during a shoplifting incident. Costa reported that he stepped in to assist security guards who were struggling to apprehend two suspected shoplifters after hearing a woman screaming for help.

During the altercation, Costa held one of the individuals and admitted to punching a shoplifter in what he described as self-defence. While colleagues initially treated him like a hero, the supermarket suspended and subsequently dismissed him without notice, citing gross misconduct. Sainsbury’s stated that Costa breached company policy prohibiting shop floor staff from intervening with shoplifters and argued his actions could have endangered other employees.

Costa, who had worked at the branch for two years with a record of perfect attendance, expressed that the dismissal has left him feeling depressed and has made finding new employment difficult. A petition has been launched by a local supporter to call for his reinstatement, describing the decision as profoundly unfair.