🔗 Share this article

The grocery retailer has overturned its decision not to offer paid work to an neurodivergent person after previously stating he had to cease stacking shelves at the branch where he had donated his time for four years.

During the summer, Frances Boyd asked whether her family member the individual could be offered a employment opportunity at the supermarket in Cheadle Hulme, but her application was ultimately declined by the company's corporate office.

This week, competing supermarket Asda stated it sought to give Tom compensated work at its Manchester location.

Reacting to Waitrose's U-turn, the parent commented: "We are going to think about it and choose whether it is in what's best for our son to resume working... and are having additional conversations with the company."

'Conducting an inquiry'

A spokesman for the retailer said: "We'd like to see Tom resume, in compensated work, and are requesting assistance from his family and the non-profit to do so."

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

"We place great importance about helping workers into the employment who might usually not be offered opportunities."

"As such, we gladly accepted Tom and his support worker into our Cheadle Hulme branch to gain experience and enhance his self-assurance."

"We have procedures in place to enable volunteering, and are examining the circumstances in Tom's situation."

The parent explained she had been "deeply moved" by how the public had responded to her sharing her family's story.

The young man, who has challenges with communication, was recognized for his dedication by managers.

"He donated more than six hundred hours of his energy purely because he wanted to belong, be helpful, and create value," said his mother.

Frances praised and thanked staff at Waitrose's Cheadle Hulme store for supporting him, noting: "They made him part of the team and were absolutely brilliant."

"I feel he was just flying under the radar - everything was working well until it reached corporate level."

Tom and his mum have been backed by regional leader Andy Burnham.

He wrote on online platforms that Tom had received "truly terrible" treatment and promised to "support him to find another placement that succeeds".

The official said the Greater Manchester Combined Authority "strongly urges every business - including Waitrose - to sign up to our recently launched Bee Neuroinclusive Code of Practice".

Conversing with the parent, who shared information of the alternative position on BBC Radio Manchester, the public figure commented: "Good on you for highlighting the issue because we must have a major education initiative here."

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