🔗 Share this article

The supermarket has changed its ruling not to grant compensated employment to an neurodivergent person after originally indicating he had to discontinue volunteering at the branch where he had donated his time for several years.

During the summer, Frances Boyd inquired whether her family member Tom Boyd could be provided a employment opportunity at the grocery store in the Manchester area, but her application was finally turned down by the supermarket's headquarters.

This week, competing supermarket the grocery chain announced it sought to give Tom compensated work at its Manchester location.

Addressing Waitrose's U-turn, Tom's mother said: "We are going to consider the offer and determine whether it is in what's best for our son to resume working... and are having ongoing talks with Waitrose."

'Looking into the matter'

A official for Waitrose said: "We'd like to welcome Tom back, in paid employment, and are working closely from his loved ones and the charity to facilitate this."

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

"We place great importance about assisting people into the workplace who might usually not be given a chance."

"As such, we warmly welcomed Tom and his care assistant into our local store to gain experience and enhance his self-assurance."

"We have guidelines in place to facilitate community service, and are examining the situation in this case."

The parent explained she had been "overwhelmed" by how people had responded to her discussing her son's experiences.

Tom, who has specific communication needs, was commended for his commitment by managers.

"He donated over 600 hours of his effort exclusively because he wanted to belong, make a difference, and have an impact," stated his parent.

Frances commended and appreciated team members at the local supermarket for assisting him, adding: "They made him part of the team and were wonderfully accommodating."

"I believe he was just under the radar - all was running smoothly until it reached corporate level."

Tom and his mum have been supported by regional leader the public figure.

He posted on social media that Tom had received "completely unacceptable" handling and vowed to "support him to identify different opportunities that functions".

Burnham said the regional organization "would encourage every business - including Waitrose - to register to our brand new inclusion initiative".

Speaking with the parent, who shared information of the alternative position on BBC Radio Manchester, the Labour mayor stated: "Good on you for bringing attention because we need a significant public information effort here."

She consented to his proposal to act as a spokesperson for the initiative.