🔗 Share this article

The supermarket has changed its decision not to grant compensated employment to an neurodivergent person after previously stating he had to stop working at the store where he had worked unpaid for an extended period.

During the summer, the young man's parent requested whether her family member Tom Boyd could be offered a employment opportunity at the grocery store in Greater Manchester, but her request was ultimately declined by the supermarket's headquarters.

Recently, alternative retailer the grocery chain stated it sought to give Tom paid shifts at its Manchester location.

Addressing Waitrose's U-turn, Frances said: "We are going to evaluate the situation and determine whether it is in what's best for our son to return... and are having further discussions with the company."

'Conducting an inquiry'

A spokesman for Waitrose stated: "We'd like to welcome Tom back, in compensated work, and are seeking support from his relatives and the charity to do so."

"We anticipate to see him back with us very soon."

"We care deeply about helping workers into the workplace who might otherwise not be provided employment."

"Therefore, we gladly accepted Tom and his helper into our Cheadle Hulme branch to gain experience and develop his abilities."

"We have procedures in place to enable community service, and are reviewing the circumstances in this instance."

Frances explained she had been "overwhelmed" by how individuals had answered to her talking about her child's situation.

Tom, who has specific communication needs, was praised for his commitment by store leadership.

"He contributed over 600 hours of his effort purely because he desired community connection, contribute, and create value," commented his mother.

Frances praised and thanked employees at the Manchester branch for supporting him, noting: "They welcomed him and were wonderfully accommodating."

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

The family have been backed by Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham.

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

The mayor said the local government body "strongly urges all employers - such as Waitrose - to register to our recently launched inclusion initiative".

Conversing with the parent, who announced of the alternative position on BBC Radio Manchester, the Labour mayor stated: "Well done for raising awareness because we require a huge awareness campaign here."

She consented to his invitation to become an advocate for the program.