🔗 Share this article

Waitrose has changed its ruling not to grant a paying position to an individual with autism after initially saying he had to discontinue working at the location where he had worked unpaid for four years.

During the summer, Frances Boyd inquired whether her 28-year-old son her son could be given a job at the supermarket in the Manchester area, but her application was ultimately declined by Waitrose head office.

On Thursday, rival chain the grocery chain said it wanted to offer Tom employment hours at its Cheadle Hulme store.

Addressing Waitrose's U-turn, Tom's mother 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 supermarket."

'Conducting an inquiry'

A spokesman for Waitrose commented: "We'd like to see Tom resume, in compensated work, and are seeking support from his relatives and the support organization to make this happen."

"We anticipate to see him back with us shortly."

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

"Therefore, we enthusiastically received Tom and his helper into our Cheadle Hulme branch to learn the ropes and develop his abilities."

"We have policies in place to facilitate unpaid work, and are reviewing the circumstances in this case."

Frances explained she had been "profoundly affected" by how the public had responded to her discussing her family's story.

Tom, who has limited communication skills, was recognized for his work ethic by supervisors.

"He donated more than six hundred hours of his energy solely because he sought inclusion, contribute, and have an impact," stated his mother.

Tom's mother praised and thanked staff at Waitrose's Cheadle Hulme store for supporting him, noting: "They included him and were wonderfully accommodating."

"I feel he was just not sufficiently noticed - operations were proceeding normally until it reached corporate level."

Both individuals have been supported by local official the public figure.

He wrote on X that Tom had received "deeply concerning" management and promised to "assist him to find another placement that works".

The official stated the local government body "strongly urges each company - like Waitrose - to register to our newly established inclusion initiative".

Discussing with the parent, who broke the news of Tom's Asda job offer on local radio, the public figure said: "Good on you for highlighting the issue because we need a major education initiative here."

She accepted his invitation to act as a spokesperson for the program.