🔗 Share this article

Waitrose has overturned its ruling not to provide compensated employment to an neurodivergent person after initially saying he had to stop stacking shelves at the store where he had donated his time for several years.

During the summer, Tom's mother requested whether her family member Tom Boyd could be provided a employment opportunity at the grocery store in Greater Manchester, but her proposal was finally turned down by the company's corporate office.

On Thursday, rival chain Asda stated it was interested in providing Tom compensated work at its Cheadle Hulme store.

Reacting to Waitrose's U-turn, Tom's mother stated: "We are going to think about it and decide whether it is in Tom's best interests to go back... and are having ongoing talks with the company."

'Looking into the matter'

A spokesman for Waitrose commented: "We'd like to see Tom resume, in paid employment, and are requesting assistance from his relatives and the charity to make this happen."

"We hope to see him back with us in the near future."

"We are committed about supporting people into the employment who might otherwise not be given a chance."

"Therefore, we warmly welcomed Tom and his helper into our Manchester location to learn the ropes and develop his abilities."

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

Frances explained she had been "profoundly affected" by how the public had reacted to her discussing her child's situation.

Tom, who has challenges with communication, was commended for his dedication by store leadership.

"He donated over 600 hours of his energy solely because he sought inclusion, be helpful, and have an impact," said his mum.

Tom's mother commended and appreciated staff at Waitrose's Cheadle Hulme store for assisting him, stating: "They included him and were exceptionally supportive."

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

The family have been supported by regional leader the public figure.

He posted on X that Tom had received "truly terrible" treatment and committed to "support him to identify different opportunities that functions".

The official stated the Greater Manchester Combined Authority "actively promotes all employers - including Waitrose - to register to our newly established inclusion initiative".

Conversing with Frances, who shared information of Tom's Asda job offer on media outlets, the Labour mayor commented: "Good on you for raising awareness because we require a major education initiative here."

She consented to his offer to serve as a representative for the program.