Overview
- Lord Richard Walker of Iceland offered Walker Smith a job Tuesday in a public message, adding new pressure on Waitrose.
- Conservative shadow home secretary Chris Philp wrote Monday to Waitrose’s boss urging Smith’s reinstatement and a bonus for what he called bravery.
- Waitrose says staff must not confront thieves, citing past cases where employees were hospitalised, and it says the standard appeals process is in train.
- Supporters set up a GoFundMe that raised more than £7,000 in two days as Smith, 54, says losing the job he held for 17 years has left him fearing he could lose his home.
- Police data show 519,381 shoplifting offences in England and Wales in the year to September 2025, a 5% rise, which retailers say has brought more brazen thefts and abuse of staff.