🔗 Share this article

The grocery retailer has overturned its determination not to provide paid work to an autistic man after previously stating he had to discontinue volunteering at the location where he had volunteered for four years.

In July, the young man's parent asked whether her adult child Tom Boyd could be offered a job at the supermarket in Cheadle Hulme, but her proposal was finally turned down by the company's corporate office.

On Thursday, rival chain Asda announced it wanted to offer Tom compensated work at its local branch.

Responding to Waitrose's U-turn, the parent commented: "We are going to think about it and determine whether it is in Tom's best interests to go back... and are having further discussions with Waitrose."

'Looking into the matter'

A official for the supermarket chain said: "We'd like to welcome Tom back, in a paying position, and are requesting assistance from his loved ones and the charity to facilitate this."

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

"We are committed about assisting individuals into the employment who might usually not be given a chance."

"Consequently, we enthusiastically received Tom and his helper into our Manchester location to gain experience and enhance his self-assurance."

"We have guidelines in place to support unpaid work, and are examining the circumstances in this case."

Frances stated she had been "overwhelmed" by how the public had reacted to her discussing her family's story.

Tom, who has limited communication skills, was praised for his dedication by managers.

"He donated extensive time of his time solely because he wanted to belong, be helpful, and have an impact," said his parent.

The parent praised and thanked team members at the local supermarket for helping him, stating: "They made him part of the team and were absolutely brilliant."

"I believe he was just flying under the radar - everything was working well until it went to head office."

Tom and his mum have been supported by Greater Manchester mayor the public figure.

He wrote on X that Tom had received "deeply concerning" handling and vowed to "assist him to secure alternative employment that functions".

The official declared the regional organization "would encourage each company - like Waitrose - to participate to our recently launched Bee Neuroinclusive Code of Practice".

Speaking with Tom's mother, who broke the news of the alternative position on media outlets, the elected official stated: "Congratulations for bringing attention because we must have a huge awareness campaign here."

She agreed to his offer to act as a spokesperson for the campaign.