🔗 Share this article

The grocery retailer has reversed its decision not to offer compensated employment to an neurodivergent person after originally indicating he had to discontinue stacking shelves at the location where he had volunteered for four years.

During the summer, Frances Boyd asked whether her adult child Tom Boyd could be offered a position at the retail establishment in Greater Manchester, but her request was finally turned down by the supermarket's headquarters.

This week, competing supermarket the grocery chain announced it was interested in providing Tom employment hours at its Cheadle Hulme store.

Addressing Waitrose's U-turn, Tom's mother commented: "We are going to consider the offer and determine whether it is in what's best for our son to return... and are having further discussions with the company."

'We are investigating'

A official for the retailer said: "We'd like to have Tom return, in compensated work, and are seeking support from his family and the charity to make this happen."

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

"We care deeply about supporting individuals into the employment who might typically not be offered opportunities."

"Therefore, we gladly accepted Tom and his care assistant into our Manchester location to gain experience and build his confidence."

"We have procedures in place to support volunteering, and are examining the situation in Tom's situation."

Tom's mother explained she had been "deeply moved" by how the public had answered to her talking about her child's situation.

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

"He gave over 600 hours of his effort exclusively because he sought inclusion, contribute, and have an impact," stated his parent.

Frances commended and appreciated team members at Waitrose's Cheadle Hulme store for helping him, adding: "They welcomed him and were exceptionally supportive."

"I think he was just not sufficiently noticed - all was running smoothly until it became a headquarters matter."

Tom and his mum have been backed by regional leader the mayor.

He wrote on X that Tom had received "completely unacceptable" treatment and vowed to "assist him to secure alternative employment that functions".

The mayor said the Greater Manchester Combined Authority "strongly urges each company - including Waitrose - to participate to our newly established inclusion initiative".

Conversing with Tom's mother, who shared information of the employment opportunity on BBC Radio Manchester, the public figure stated: "Congratulations for bringing attention because we must have a major education initiative here."

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