🔗 Share this article

The grocery retailer has reversed its determination not to provide a paying position to an autistic man after originally indicating he had to cease working at the location where he had donated his time for four years.

In July, Frances Boyd inquired whether her adult child Tom Boyd could be given a position at the grocery store in the Manchester area, but her request was finally turned down by the supermarket's headquarters.

Recently, rival chain the grocery chain stated it was interested in providing Tom employment hours at its Cheadle Hulme store.

Addressing Waitrose's U-turn, the parent said: "We are going to evaluate the situation and determine whether it is in Tom's best interests to go back... and are having further discussions with the company."

'Conducting an inquiry'

A representative for Waitrose said: "We'd like to welcome Tom back, in compensated work, and are working closely from his loved ones and the non-profit to facilitate this."

"We anticipate to welcome him again with us shortly."

"We are committed about assisting workers into the workplace who might usually not be provided employment."

"As such, we gladly accepted Tom and his support worker into our Manchester location to build skills and enhance his self-assurance."

"We have policies in place to enable community service, and are investigating what's happened in Tom's situation."

Frances stated she had been "profoundly affected" by how the public had answered to her sharing her family's story.

The individual, who has specific communication needs, was praised for his commitment by supervisors.

"He donated extensive time of his energy exclusively because he wanted to belong, contribute, and have an impact," stated his parent.

Frances recognized and acknowledged employees at Waitrose's Cheadle Hulme store for helping him, stating: "They welcomed him and were exceptionally supportive."

"I feel he was just under the radar - all was running smoothly until it became a headquarters matter."

Both individuals have been supported by local official Andy Burnham.

He posted on social media that Tom had received "deeply concerning" management and committed to "help him to secure alternative employment that succeeds".

The mayor declared the local government body "would encourage each company - like Waitrose - to register to our recently launched diversity program".

Conversing with the parent, who broke the news of the alternative position on media outlets, the elected official said: "Well done for raising awareness because we require a major education initiative here."

She agreed to his proposal to become an advocate for the initiative.