Waitrose makes employment U-turn concerning rejected autistic employee

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 neighborhood Waitrose for an extended period on a voluntary basis before being originally rejected for paid work

The supermarket has changed its ruling not to grant compensated employment to an neurodivergent person after previously stating he had to discontinue volunteering at the store where he had donated his time for several years.

Earlier this year, Tom's mother requested whether her adult child Tom Boyd could be provided a employment opportunity at the grocery store in Greater Manchester, but her request was finally turned down by the company's corporate office.

This week, rival chain Asda stated it wanted to offer Tom paid shifts at its Manchester location.

Responding to the company's change of position, the parent said: "We are going to think about it and decide whether it is in what's best for our son to go back... and are having additional conversations with the company."

'We are investigating'

A representative for the retailer stated: "We'd like to have Tom return, in paid employment, and are working closely from his loved ones and the support organization to make this happen."

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

"We are committed about supporting people into the employment who might otherwise not be offered opportunities."

"Therefore, we warmly welcomed Tom and his care assistant into our local store to build skills and enhance his self-assurance."

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

Frances Boyd wants to discern what is the best offer for her son
The parent wants to discern what is the optimal opportunity for her child

Frances stated she had been "overwhelmed" by how people had answered to her discussing her son's experiences.

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

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

The parent praised and thanked employees at the local supermarket for supporting him, noting: "They welcomed him and were exceptionally supportive."

"I think he was just flying under the radar - operations were proceeding normally until it became a headquarters matter."

Both individuals have been endorsed by regional leader the public figure.

He posted on social media that Tom had received "completely unacceptable" treatment and vowed to "assist him to find another placement that functions".

Burnham declared the Greater Manchester Combined Authority "strongly urges every business - like Waitrose - to participate to our brand new diversity program".

Speaking with Frances, who announced of the alternative position on local radio, the public figure said: "Good on you for bringing attention because we require a significant public information effort here."

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

Mary Jenkins
Mary Jenkins

A passionate writer and life coach dedicated to empowering others through motivational content and practical advice.