The supermarket chain implements employment U-turn regarding rejected neurodivergent staff member

Tom Boyd stacked shelves at his local Waitrose for four years on a voluntary basis before being initially turned down for paid work
Tom Boyd stacked shelves at his neighborhood Waitrose for an extended period on a unpaid basis before being originally rejected for compensated employment

The supermarket has overturned its ruling not to offer a paying position to an autistic man after previously stating he had to discontinue working at the branch where he had worked unpaid for four years.

In July, the young man's parent inquired whether her adult child Tom Boyd could be provided a position at the grocery store in the Manchester area, but her application was eventually rejected by the supermarket's headquarters.

On Thursday, alternative retailer the grocery chain said it sought to give Tom employment hours at its Manchester location.

Responding to the company's change of position, Frances commented: "We are going to evaluate the situation and decide whether it is in the optimal outcome for Tom to return... and are having additional conversations with the supermarket."

'We are investigating'

A official for the retailer stated: "We'd like to have Tom return, in paid employment, and are requesting assistance from his loved ones and the non-profit to do so."

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

"We care deeply about supporting individuals into the job market who might usually not be offered opportunities."

"Therefore, we enthusiastically received Tom and his care assistant into our Cheadle Hulme branch to gain experience and build his confidence."

"We have policies in place to enable community service, and are reviewing what's happened in this instance."

Frances Boyd wants to discern what is the best offer for her son
Tom's mother seeks to determine what is the most suitable arrangement for her son

Tom's mother said she had been "deeply moved" by how people had reacted to her sharing her family's story.

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

"He gave extensive time of his energy purely because he wanted to belong, contribute, and make a difference," stated his mother.

Tom's mother commended and appreciated staff at Waitrose's Cheadle Hulme store for helping him, stating: "They included him and were absolutely brilliant."

"I feel he was just not sufficiently noticed - everything was working well until it went to head office."

Tom and his mum have been endorsed by local official the public figure.

He stated on social media that Tom had received "truly terrible" management and committed to "assist him to identify different opportunities that functions".

The mayor stated the regional organization "actively promotes every business - including Waitrose - to participate to our brand new Bee Neuroinclusive Code of Practice".

Discussing with Tom's mother, who broke the news of the employment opportunity on local radio, the elected official stated: "Congratulations for highlighting the issue because we require a major education initiative here."

She agreed to his invitation to serve as a representative for the program.

Krista Calderon
Krista Calderon

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