The supermarket chain executes employment change of heart over initially declined autistic employee

The grocery retailer has reversed its determination not to provide compensated employment to an autistic man after previously stating he had to cease working at the location where he had worked unpaid for an extended period.

Earlier this year, the young man's parent asked whether her adult child Tom Boyd could be offered a employment opportunity at the supermarket in Cheadle Hulme, but her request was finally turned down by the company's corporate office.

On Thursday, rival chain Asda stated it was interested in providing Tom compensated work at its local branch.

Reacting to the company's change of position, Frances commented: "We are going to consider the offer and decide whether it is in Tom's best interests to go back... and are having ongoing talks with the supermarket."

'We are investigating'

A official for Waitrose commented: "We'd like to welcome Tom back, in paid employment, and are working closely from his family and the non-profit to facilitate this."

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

"We are committed about assisting workers into the job market who might typically not be offered opportunities."

"As such, we warmly welcomed Tom and his care assistant into our Cheadle Hulme branch to build skills and build his confidence."

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

The parent explained she had been "overwhelmed" by how individuals had responded to her discussing her child's situation.

The individual, who has limited communication skills, was recognized for his commitment by managers.

"He donated over 600 hours of his time solely because he wanted to belong, be helpful, and create value," commented his parent.

Tom's mother praised and thanked team members at Waitrose's Cheadle Hulme store for helping him, adding: "They made him part of the team and were absolutely brilliant."

"I think he was just under the radar - everything was working well until it reached corporate level."

Tom and his mum have been endorsed by regional leader the mayor.

He wrote on online platforms that Tom had received "deeply concerning" handling and vowed to "support him to find another placement that works".

Burnham declared the Greater Manchester Combined Authority "would encourage each company - such as Waitrose - to sign up to our brand new inclusion initiative".

Conversing with Tom's mother, who announced of Tom's Asda job offer on BBC Radio Manchester, the public figure said: "Congratulations for raising awareness because we need a major education initiative here."

She consented to his invitation to serve as a representative for the initiative.