The supermarket chain executes employment U-turn over rejected autistic worker

Waitrose has reversed its ruling not to offer paid work to an individual with autism after initially saying he had to cease volunteering at the location where he had donated his time for an extended period.

In July, Frances Boyd inquired whether her 28-year-old son her son could be offered a employment opportunity at the grocery store in the Manchester area, but her application was finally turned down by the supermarket's headquarters.

This week, alternative retailer the grocery chain said it was interested in providing Tom compensated work at its local branch.

Reacting to the supermarket's reversal, Frances commented: "We are going to evaluate the situation and choose whether it is in what's best for our son to return... and are having ongoing talks with the company."

'We are investigating'

A official for the supermarket chain said: "We'd like to see Tom resume, in a paying position, and are seeking support from his loved ones and the charity to facilitate this."

"We hope to welcome him again with us in the near future."

"We are committed about helping workers into the employment who might usually not be offered opportunities."

"Consequently, we warmly welcomed Tom and his care assistant into our local store to build skills and enhance his self-assurance."

"We have procedures in place to enable volunteering, and are investigating what's happened in this case."

The parent said she had been "deeply moved" by how individuals had responded to her discussing her son's experiences.

The individual, who has specific communication needs, was recognized for his commitment by store leadership.

"He donated over 600 hours of his time exclusively because he wanted to belong, make a difference, and create value," commented his mother.

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

"I feel he was just not sufficiently noticed - all was running smoothly until it reached corporate level."

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

He wrote on online platforms that Tom had received "truly terrible" treatment and promised to "support him to secure alternative employment that succeeds".

Burnham said the Greater Manchester Combined Authority "actively promotes every business - like Waitrose - to participate to our newly established Bee Neuroinclusive Code of Practice".

Discussing with the parent, who shared information of Tom's Asda job offer on local radio, the Labour mayor said: "Well done for highlighting the issue because we need a major education initiative here."

She consented to his invitation to act as a spokesperson for the campaign.