🔗 Share this article

Waitrose has changed its ruling not to offer a paying position to an autistic man after initially saying he had to discontinue stacking shelves at the store where he had donated his time for several years.

In July, Frances Boyd requested whether her adult child the individual could be provided a position at the supermarket in Greater Manchester, but her proposal was finally turned down by the supermarket's headquarters.

This week, alternative retailer Asda said it was interested in providing Tom compensated work at its Cheadle Hulme store.

Responding to the supermarket's reversal, Tom's mother commented: "We are going to consider the offer and decide whether it is in the optimal outcome for Tom to resume working... and are having further discussions with the supermarket."

'Looking into the matter'

A representative for Waitrose commented: "We'd like to welcome Tom back, in a paying position, and are seeking support from his family and the support organization to facilitate this."

"We anticipate to welcome him again with us shortly."

"We care deeply about assisting workers into the workplace who might otherwise not be provided employment."

"Consequently, we gladly accepted Tom and his care assistant into our local store to gain experience and build his confidence."

"We have procedures in place to support volunteering, and are reviewing what's happened in Tom's situation."

Frances stated she had been "overwhelmed" by how the public had responded to her discussing her child's situation.

The young man, who has specific communication needs, was commended for his commitment by store leadership.

"He contributed more than six hundred hours of his time exclusively because he desired community connection, be helpful, and have an impact," commented his parent.

Frances recognized and acknowledged employees at the Manchester branch for assisting him, adding: "They made him part of the team and were absolutely brilliant."

"I think he was just not sufficiently noticed - operations were proceeding normally until it went to head office."

The family have been endorsed by regional leader the public figure.

He posted on X that Tom had received "completely unacceptable" handling and vowed to "help him to find another placement that succeeds".

The official stated the local government body "would encourage each company - such as Waitrose - to register to our newly established inclusion initiative".

Speaking with Frances, who broke the news of Tom's Asda job offer on local radio, the public figure said: "Congratulations for bringing attention because we need a significant public information effort here."

She agreed to his invitation to serve as a representative for the program.