Waitrose makes employment U-turn regarding rejected autistic employee

Waitrose has overturned its ruling not to provide a paying position to an neurodivergent person after originally indicating he had to cease stacking shelves at the branch where he had worked unpaid for an extended period.

Earlier this year, the young man's parent inquired whether her 28-year-old son Tom Boyd could be given a position at the grocery store in Greater Manchester, but her request was ultimately declined by the company's corporate office.

On Thursday, rival chain Asda stated it sought to give Tom compensated work at its Manchester location.

Reacting to the supermarket's reversal, the parent commented: "We are going to think about it and determine whether it is in Tom's best interests to resume working... and are having additional conversations with Waitrose."

'Conducting an inquiry'

A representative for Waitrose stated: "We'd like to welcome Tom back, in paid employment, and are seeking support from his loved ones and the support organization to do so."

"We anticipate to see him back with us in the near future."

"We place great importance about assisting people into the job market who might otherwise not be offered opportunities."

"Consequently, we enthusiastically received Tom and his care assistant into our Manchester location to learn the ropes and build his confidence."

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

The parent explained she had been "overwhelmed" by how the public had reacted to her sharing her child's situation.

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

"He gave over 600 hours of his energy exclusively because he desired community connection, make a difference, and create value," commented his mum.

Frances praised and thanked staff at the local supermarket for assisting him, stating: "They included him and were exceptionally supportive."

"I think he was just not sufficiently noticed - all was running smoothly until it became a headquarters matter."

The family have been endorsed by Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham.

He posted on social media that Tom had received "completely unacceptable" handling and promised to "assist him to find another placement that succeeds".

The mayor stated the regional organization "would encourage all employers - like Waitrose - to participate to our recently launched Bee Neuroinclusive Code of Practice".

Conversing with Tom's mother, who announced of Tom's Asda job offer on media outlets, the Labour mayor stated: "Congratulations for bringing attention because we must have a huge awareness campaign here."

She accepted his proposal to serve as a representative for the campaign.