🔗 Share this article

The supermarket has changed its decision not to provide compensated employment to an autistic man after previously stating he had to stop working at the store where he had volunteered for several years.

Earlier this year, the young man's parent inquired whether her family member Tom Boyd could be provided a employment opportunity at the retail establishment in Cheadle Hulme, but her request was ultimately declined by the company's corporate office.

On Thursday, competing supermarket the grocery chain stated it sought to give Tom paid shifts at its Cheadle Hulme store.

Reacting to the supermarket's reversal, Tom's mother said: "We are going to consider the offer and choose whether it is in what's best for our son to go back... and are having further discussions with the supermarket."

'Conducting an inquiry'

A spokesman for the supermarket chain commented: "We'd like to welcome Tom back, in a paying position, and are working closely from his loved ones and the non-profit to make this happen."

"We anticipate to have him return with us shortly."

"We place great importance about helping people into the workplace who might typically not be provided employment."

"As such, we warmly welcomed Tom and his care assistant into our Manchester location to gain experience and build his confidence."

"We have guidelines in place to facilitate volunteering, and are reviewing the situation in this instance."

Frances stated she had been "profoundly affected" by how individuals had reacted to her discussing her family's story.

The young man, who has challenges with communication, was commended for his commitment by managers.

"He gave more than six hundred hours of his time purely because he desired community connection, be helpful, and make a difference," said his mother.

Tom's mother praised and thanked staff at Waitrose's Cheadle Hulme store for assisting him, stating: "They included him and were wonderfully accommodating."

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

Both individuals have been backed by regional leader Andy Burnham.

He stated on social media that Tom had received "completely unacceptable" management and promised to "support him to secure alternative employment that functions".

The official declared the Greater Manchester Combined Authority "strongly urges every business - like Waitrose - to participate to our recently launched inclusion initiative".

Discussing with Frances, who broke the news of the employment opportunity on BBC Radio Manchester, the public figure commented: "Well done for highlighting the issue because we must have a significant public information effort here."

She agreed to his invitation to become an advocate for the initiative.