🔗 Share this article

The supermarket has reversed its decision not to offer paid work to an individual with autism after previously stating he had to discontinue working at the store where he had worked unpaid for several years.

In July, Frances Boyd asked whether her 28-year-old son Tom Boyd could be given a position at the grocery store in Cheadle Hulme, but her proposal was ultimately declined by the company's corporate office.

On Thursday, alternative retailer Asda announced it was interested in providing Tom compensated work at its local branch.

Responding to the supermarket's reversal, Frances commented: "We are going to consider the offer and determine whether it is in what's best for our son to go back... and are having additional conversations with Waitrose."

'Looking into the matter'

A spokesman for Waitrose commented: "We'd like to welcome Tom back, in a paying position, and are working closely from his family and the non-profit to make this happen."

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

"We are committed about supporting individuals into the workplace who might typically not be given a chance."

"As such, we enthusiastically received Tom and his support worker into our Cheadle Hulme branch to learn the ropes and develop his abilities."

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

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

The individual, who has limited communication skills, was praised for his commitment by supervisors.

"He contributed more than six hundred hours of his energy exclusively because he sought inclusion, make a difference, and make a difference," said his parent.

Tom's mother recognized and acknowledged team members at the Manchester branch for assisting him, adding: "They made him part of the team and were exceptionally supportive."

"I think he was just flying under the radar - everything was working well until it reached corporate level."

Both individuals have been endorsed by Greater Manchester mayor the public figure.

He wrote on online platforms that Tom had received "deeply concerning" treatment and committed to "help him to find another placement that functions".

The mayor said the Greater Manchester Combined Authority "strongly urges every business - like Waitrose - to sign up to our recently launched Bee Neuroinclusive Code of Practice".

Conversing with Tom's mother, who announced of Tom's Asda job offer on BBC Radio Manchester, the Labour mayor stated: "Well done for highlighting the issue because we require a huge awareness campaign here."

She agreed to his offer to become an advocate for the program.