29-05-2025
Employer blasted for 'insulting' gift they gave to employee as reward for working 40 years: 'That's genuinely so sad'
An employer has come under fire online after marking a supermarket employee's 40 years of service with just 40 sausage rolls - one for each shift over the coming weeks.
Kevin Parsons, 56, has worked at the Alliance supermarket in Guernsey since 1984, and bosses chose to recognise his four decades of dedication with a certificate, a tropical-themed mural for his home and a sausage roll for every upcoming shift.
While Kevin was gracious in receiving the gifts, and posed up a storm with his employer, many people branded the gift 'insulting'.
'Words can't express my appreciation,' he said at a ceremony held in-store on Monday, surrounded by colleagues and management.
'It's been a long 40 years but I've loved every minute of it.'
Reflecting on his time at the supermarket, Kevin added that prospective employees would need roller skates to match his pace, the BBC reported.
Chris Fish, chairman of Alliance, praised Kevin's work ethic and contributions to the community.
He called him an 'exemplary' worker since the start of his career with the company, adding that Kevin consistently tries to assist in any way he can.
Chris commended Kevin's community work and 'valuable' efforts to raise money for charity.
Commercial director Laura Golden said the response to their Facebook post celebrating Kevin's milestone showed just how adored he is.
The company values everyone as 'the same', said Laura, and praised Kevin's representation of the independent retailer's values.
However, the public reaction to the celebration, particularly the sausage rolls, was far less glowing.
Popular social media page Pubity posted about the incident on Instagram, and followers didn't hold back.
'That's genuinely so sad,' one person wrote.
Another commented sarcastically: 'Can't wait for the 40 year bonus! I'm sure they'll do everything they can to show their appreciation for serving half my life here!'
The tone across the comment section was one of disbelief and disappointment.
'Seriously? That's how you honour 40 years of loyalty? No wonder people nowadays do not take jobs seriously.
'Instead, focus on yourself and work on your higher goals,' wrote one user.
The gap between Kevin's commitment and the perceived lacklustre reward didn't go unnoticed.
One commenter said: 'You helped me sell 400,000 sausages over 40 years and I earned millions.
'Here's your share of 40 sausages.'
Others accused the company of being stingy, with one follower writing: 'They're trying to give him a heart attack to not pay retirement.'
Another said: 'This company didn't deserve his determination and work ethic.
'A shame that he wasted 40 years in a business that disrespected him.'
While Kevin may be a beloved figure within the store, the online response has made it clear that the public feels his loyalty deserved more than pastry.
Heartbroken internet users rushed to Kevin's defence, shocked at his apparently meagre gift
In fact, almost a third of British workers don't receive a single present from their bosses when they retire, according to research.
A study of 2,000 retirees revealed that 31 per cent of people were not given a leaving gift.
Another seven per cent did slightly better - at least they got a 'sorry you're leaving' card.
The average retirement gift is worth just £2.17 for every year of work, according to the survey by Skipton Building Society.
Most retirees can expect a gift worth around £101.89 when they call time on their career - equivalent to just £2.17 for each year of the average 47-year working lifetime.
Gift vouchers and flowers are the most common retirement gifts - while some workers had to settle for 'an invite to the office Christmas party'.
Rebecca Willey, of the Skipton Building Society, said: 'After years of working, particularly if you have done a long term with the same company, most would expect a nice gift, or something special to wave them off into their retirement.
'But in reality, it seems that the gift you receive is nothing compared to the time and effort you have put into working over the years.
'And there are worryingly large number of people are lucky to receive a card at the most.'
Gift vouchers are the most popular choice, followed by a bunch of flowers, a personalised gift and something for their home.
But some lucky workers received a night away, tickets to a Formula One event and an all-expenses paid party.
