🔗 Share this article

Waitrose has overturned its determination not to grant compensated employment to an autistic man after originally indicating he had to cease stacking shelves at the branch where he had worked unpaid for several years.

In July, Tom's mother inquired whether her adult child her son could be provided a position at the supermarket in Cheadle Hulme, but her application was ultimately declined by Waitrose head office.

This week, alternative retailer Asda said it sought to give Tom paid shifts at its local branch.

Reacting 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 further discussions with Waitrose."

'Looking into the matter'

A representative for the retailer commented: "We'd like to have Tom return, in a paying position, and are requesting assistance from his relatives and the support organization to facilitate this."

"We anticipate to see him back with us very soon."

"We are committed about supporting individuals into the job market who might otherwise not be given a chance."

"Consequently, we enthusiastically received Tom and his care assistant into our Cheadle Hulme branch to build skills and develop his abilities."

"We have procedures in place to facilitate volunteering, and are examining the situation in this case."

The parent said she had been "deeply moved" by how people had reacted to her sharing her son's experiences.

Tom, who has specific communication needs, was commended for his commitment by supervisors.

"He gave extensive time of his effort purely because he desired community connection, make a difference, and create value," said his mother.

Frances commended and appreciated staff at the Manchester branch for supporting him, noting: "They included him and were wonderfully accommodating."

"I think he was just under the radar - everything was working well until it went to head office."

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

He posted on social media that Tom had received "truly terrible" handling and promised to "support him to secure alternative employment that works".

The official said the local government body "actively promotes each company - such as Waitrose - to participate to our brand new Bee Neuroinclusive Code of Practice".

Discussing with Tom's mother, who announced of the employment opportunity on local radio, the Labour mayor said: "Good on you for raising awareness because we must have a huge awareness campaign here."

She consented to his proposal to act as a spokesperson for the initiative.