🔗 Share this article

The supermarket has overturned its determination not to offer a paying position to an autistic man after originally indicating he had to cease volunteering at the branch where he had donated his time for an extended period.

During the summer, Tom's mother asked whether her family member the individual could be given a position at the grocery store in Cheadle Hulme, but her application was eventually rejected by the supermarket's headquarters.

On Thursday, alternative retailer Asda stated it wanted to offer Tom compensated work at its Manchester location.

Addressing the company's change of position, the parent said: "We are going to evaluate the situation and choose whether it is in the optimal outcome for Tom to resume working... and are having ongoing talks with Waitrose."

'Looking into the matter'

A spokesman for Waitrose commented: "We'd like to see Tom resume, in compensated work, and are working closely from his family and the non-profit to do so."

"We hope to see him back with us shortly."

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

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

"We have policies in place to enable community service, and are investigating what's happened in this case."

Tom's mother explained she had been "profoundly affected" by how individuals had responded to her discussing her son's experiences.

The individual, who has challenges with communication, was commended for his commitment by supervisors.

"He contributed more than six hundred hours of his effort exclusively because he desired community connection, contribute, and have an impact," stated his parent.

Frances praised and thanked team members at the Manchester branch for helping him, adding: "They welcomed him and were wonderfully accommodating."

"I feel he was just flying under the radar - all was running smoothly until it went to head office."

The family have been supported by local official the public figure.

He posted on X that Tom had received "truly terrible" treatment and committed to "help him to find another placement that functions".

The mayor declared the regional organization "would encourage every business - like Waitrose - to register to our recently launched inclusion initiative".

Discussing with the parent, who announced of the employment opportunity on media outlets, the Labour mayor stated: "Congratulations for raising awareness because we must have a major education initiative here."

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