Waitrose implements job change of heart over rejected autistic 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 local Waitrose for an extended period on a voluntary basis before being initially turned down for a paying job

The supermarket has reversed its ruling not to offer a paying position to an autistic man after initially saying he had to cease volunteering at the branch where he had donated his time for an extended period.

Earlier this year, the young man's parent requested whether her family member her son could be offered a position at the retail establishment in Cheadle Hulme, but her application was finally turned down by the company's corporate office.

On Thursday, competing supermarket the grocery chain stated it wanted to offer Tom compensated work at its Cheadle Hulme store.

Reacting to the supermarket's reversal, Tom's mother stated: "We are going to think about it and decide whether it is in the optimal outcome for Tom to resume working... and are having further discussions with the company."

'Looking into the matter'

A official for Waitrose said: "We'd like to see Tom resume, in compensated work, and are working closely from his family and the support organization to facilitate this."

"We anticipate to have him return with us shortly."

"We care deeply about helping people into the job market who might otherwise not be given a chance."

"Therefore, we warmly welcomed Tom and his care assistant into our local store to learn the ropes and build his confidence."

"We have procedures in place to facilitate unpaid work, 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 wants to discern what is the best offer for her family member

Frances explained she had been "overwhelmed" by how the public had responded to her talking about her child's situation.

The young man, who has challenges with communication, was recognized for his work ethic by store leadership.

"He gave over 600 hours of his effort solely because he desired community connection, make a difference, and have an impact," commented his parent.

Tom's mother commended and appreciated employees at the local supermarket for helping him, noting: "They welcomed him and were wonderfully accommodating."

"I feel he was just under the radar - all was running smoothly until it reached corporate level."

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

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

The official declared the local government body "would encourage each company - including Waitrose - to sign up to our brand new Bee Neuroinclusive Code of Practice".

Discussing with Tom's mother, who announced of the employment opportunity on local radio, the public figure stated: "Good on you for highlighting the issue because we must have a huge awareness campaign here."

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

Douglas Gonzalez
Douglas Gonzalez

A passionate digital artist and educator specializing in vector graphics and creative design techniques.