🔗 Share this article

Waitrose has overturned its ruling not to offer paid work to an neurodivergent person after previously stating he had to stop working at the store where he had worked unpaid for four years.

Earlier this year, Tom's mother requested whether her family member Tom Boyd could be given a job at the grocery store in Greater Manchester, but her proposal was finally turned down by Waitrose head office.

Recently, competing supermarket Asda said it wanted to offer Tom paid shifts at its Cheadle Hulme store.

Reacting to Waitrose's U-turn, Frances said: "We are going to consider the offer and choose whether it is in the optimal outcome for Tom to go back... and are having additional conversations with the supermarket."

'Conducting an inquiry'

A spokesman for the supermarket chain commented: "We'd like to have Tom return, in paid employment, and are working closely from his family and the non-profit to make this happen."

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

"We care deeply about helping individuals into the employment who might usually not be given a chance."

"Therefore, we enthusiastically received Tom and his support worker into our Manchester location to build skills and develop his abilities."

"We have procedures in place to enable unpaid work, and are examining the circumstances in this case."

Tom's mother said she had been "deeply moved" by how people had responded to her discussing her child's situation.

The young man, who has limited communication skills, was recognized for his work ethic by managers.

"He donated more than six hundred hours of his energy solely because he wanted to belong, be helpful, and create value," stated his mother.

Tom's mother recognized and acknowledged team members at Waitrose's Cheadle Hulme store for supporting him, stating: "They welcomed him and were absolutely brilliant."

"I believe he was just not sufficiently noticed - all was running smoothly until it went to head office."

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

He stated on X that Tom had received "truly terrible" handling and committed to "help him to find another placement that works".

The official stated the local government body "strongly urges every business - like Waitrose - to register to our newly established Bee Neuroinclusive Code of Practice".

Speaking with Frances, who shared information of the employment opportunity on media outlets, the elected official stated: "Congratulations for highlighting the issue because we need a major education initiative here."

She consented to his proposal to serve as a representative for the campaign.