Waitrose executes employment change of heart over rejected autistic worker

The supermarket has overturned its ruling not to provide compensated employment to an individual with autism after originally indicating he had to discontinue working at the location where he had volunteered for four years.

During the summer, the young man's parent inquired whether her adult child her son could be provided a job at the retail establishment in Greater Manchester, but her application was finally turned down by the supermarket's headquarters.

On Thursday, competing supermarket the grocery chain said it sought to give Tom employment hours at its Manchester location.

Responding to Waitrose's U-turn, Frances stated: "We are going to think about it and decide whether it is in what's best for our son to resume working... and are having ongoing talks with the supermarket."

'Conducting an inquiry'

A representative for the retailer said: "We'd like to have Tom return, in compensated work, and are seeking support from his loved ones and the charity to facilitate this."

"We anticipate to have him return with us very soon."

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

"Therefore, we gladly accepted Tom and his support worker into our local store to build skills and build his confidence."

"We have guidelines in place to enable community service, and are reviewing what's happened in this instance."

Tom's mother stated she had been "overwhelmed" by how people had reacted to her sharing her family's story.

Tom, who has limited communication skills, was recognized for his commitment by store leadership.

"He gave more than six hundred hours of his time solely because he desired community connection, make a difference, and make a difference," said his parent.

Tom's mother praised and thanked employees at Waitrose's Cheadle Hulme store for assisting him, stating: "They included him and were exceptionally supportive."

"I feel he was just flying under the radar - everything was working well until it became a headquarters matter."

The family have been supported by regional leader Andy Burnham.

He stated on online platforms that Tom had received "deeply concerning" handling and committed to "support him to find another placement that functions".

The mayor stated the Greater Manchester Combined Authority "strongly urges all employers - including Waitrose - to sign up to our newly established inclusion initiative".

Discussing with Tom's mother, who announced of the alternative position on local radio, the public figure commented: "Congratulations for highlighting the issue because we need a huge awareness campaign here."

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