Waitrose executes job change of heart over initially declined autistic staff member

Waitrose has overturned its ruling not to provide paid work to an autistic man after previously stating he had to cease volunteering at the branch where he had volunteered for four years.

Earlier this year, the young man's parent asked whether her family member Tom Boyd could be given a employment opportunity at the retail establishment in the Manchester area, but her request was finally turned down by the supermarket's headquarters.

This week, alternative retailer Asda announced it was interested in providing Tom paid shifts at its local branch.

Responding to Waitrose's U-turn, the parent said: "We are going to think about it and choose whether it is in what's best for our son to return... and are having further discussions with Waitrose."

'Conducting an inquiry'

A spokesman for the supermarket chain commented: "We'd like to see Tom resume, in compensated work, and are requesting assistance from his loved ones and the non-profit to make this happen."

"We hope to have him return with us very soon."

"We are committed about supporting individuals into the job market who might usually not be given a chance."

"Therefore, we enthusiastically received Tom and his support worker into our local store to build skills and enhance his self-assurance."

"We have policies in place to support community service, and are investigating the situation in this case."

Tom's mother explained she had been "deeply moved" by how the public had answered to her sharing her child's situation.

Tom, who has specific communication needs, was recognized for his dedication by managers.

"He gave more than six hundred hours of his energy exclusively because he desired community connection, contribute, and make a difference," stated his mum.

Frances recognized and acknowledged team members at the local supermarket for assisting him, noting: "They welcomed him and were wonderfully accommodating."

"I feel he was just under the radar - everything was working well until it became a headquarters matter."

Tom and his mum have been supported by local official Andy Burnham.

He stated on social media that Tom had received "truly terrible" treatment and vowed to "assist him to identify different opportunities that succeeds".

The official stated the local government body "would encourage each company - such as Waitrose - to participate to our recently launched inclusion initiative".

Speaking with Tom's mother, who shared information of Tom's Asda job offer on local radio, the elected official commented: "Congratulations for highlighting the issue because we require a huge awareness campaign here."

She accepted his proposal to become an advocate for the program.