🔗 Share this article

The grocery retailer has overturned its decision not to grant compensated employment to an neurodivergent person after originally indicating he had to discontinue working at the store where he had volunteered for four years.

During the summer, Frances Boyd requested whether her family member her son could be provided a position at the retail establishment in the Manchester area, but her application was ultimately declined by the supermarket's headquarters.

Recently, rival chain Asda announced it was interested in providing Tom employment hours at its local branch.

Addressing Waitrose's U-turn, Frances said: "We are going to consider the offer and choose whether it is in the optimal outcome for Tom to go back... and are having further discussions with Waitrose."

'Conducting an inquiry'

A spokesman for Waitrose stated: "We'd like to see Tom resume, in a paying position, and are requesting assistance from his relatives and the charity to make this happen."

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

"We care deeply about supporting individuals into the workplace who might usually not be given a chance."

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

"We have policies in place to enable unpaid work, and are reviewing the situation in this instance."

The parent stated she had been "overwhelmed" by how the public had reacted to her talking about her child's situation.

The individual, who has specific communication needs, was commended for his dedication by supervisors.

"He donated extensive time of his effort solely because he desired community connection, be helpful, and make a difference," commented his mother.

The parent praised and thanked staff at the local supermarket for supporting him, adding: "They welcomed him and were exceptionally supportive."

"I believe he was just flying under the radar - all was running smoothly until it went to head office."

The family have been supported by local official the public figure.

He posted on online platforms that Tom had received "deeply concerning" handling and committed to "assist him to identify different opportunities that succeeds".

The official stated the Greater Manchester Combined Authority "actively promotes every business - like Waitrose - to register to our recently launched Bee Neuroinclusive Code of Practice".

Discussing with the parent, who broke the news of the employment opportunity on local radio, the Labour mayor commented: "Good on you for highlighting the issue because we require a huge awareness campaign here."

She consented to his offer to act as a spokesperson for the program.