🔗 Share this article

The grocery retailer has changed its determination not to offer a paying position to an individual with autism after previously stating he had to discontinue volunteering at the branch where he had volunteered for several years.

In July, the young man's parent requested whether her adult child Tom Boyd could be given a employment opportunity at the supermarket in the Manchester area, but her proposal was eventually rejected by the supermarket's headquarters.

Recently, rival chain Asda stated it wanted to offer Tom compensated work at its Cheadle Hulme store.

Responding to Waitrose's U-turn, Frances stated: "We are going to consider the offer and decide whether it is in Tom's best interests to resume working... and are having additional conversations with the company."

'We are investigating'

A official for the retailer said: "We'd like to welcome Tom back, in a paying position, and are working closely from his loved ones and the support organization to facilitate this."

"We expect to welcome him again with us in the near future."

"We care deeply about supporting individuals into the workplace who might typically not be offered opportunities."

"Therefore, we warmly welcomed Tom and his care assistant into our Manchester location to gain experience and build his confidence."

"We have policies in place to support volunteering, and are reviewing what's happened in this case."

The parent said she had been "deeply moved" by how individuals had responded to her talking about her child's situation.

Tom, who has limited communication skills, was commended for his commitment by supervisors.

"He contributed over 600 hours of his effort purely because he wanted to belong, make a difference, and make a difference," stated his mum.

Tom's mother recognized and acknowledged team members at Waitrose's Cheadle Hulme store for supporting him, stating: "They welcomed him and were wonderfully accommodating."

"I believe he was just flying under the radar - operations were proceeding normally until it went to head office."

The family have been endorsed by Greater Manchester mayor the public figure.

He posted on online platforms that Tom had received "truly terrible" management and promised to "support him to find another placement that functions".

The mayor stated the Greater Manchester Combined Authority "strongly urges each company - including Waitrose - to participate to our brand new Bee Neuroinclusive Code of Practice".

Speaking with Tom's mother, who shared information of Tom's Asda job offer on local radio, the public figure commented: "Good on you for bringing attention because we require a significant public information effort here."

She consented to his invitation to act as a spokesperson for the campaign.