🔗 Share this article Waitrose executes employment reversal concerning initially declined neurodivergent worker Tom Boyd volunteered at his local Waitrose for four years on a voluntary basis before being initially turned down for paid work The grocery retailer has changed its ruling not to grant compensated employment to an individual with autism after originally indicating he had to cease stacking shelves at the store where he had donated his time for several years. Earlier this year, Frances Boyd asked whether her 28-year-old son her son could be provided a position at the supermarket in Greater Manchester, but her proposal was ultimately declined by the supermarket's headquarters. On Thursday, alternative retailer Asda said it wanted to offer Tom employment hours at its local branch. Reacting to the supermarket's reversal, the parent commented: "We are going to consider the offer and decide whether it is in Tom's best interests to return... and are having ongoing talks with the company." 'Conducting an inquiry' A representative for the supermarket chain stated: "We'd like to see Tom resume, in compensated work, and are seeking support from his relatives and the non-profit to do so." "We hope to have him return with us shortly." "We care deeply about supporting individuals into the employment who might otherwise not be offered opportunities." "As such, we enthusiastically received Tom and his support worker into our Cheadle Hulme branch to build skills and enhance his self-assurance." "We have policies in place to support unpaid work, and are investigating what's happened in this instance." The parent wants to discern what is the optimal opportunity for her child Frances stated she had been "profoundly affected" by how the public had responded to her discussing her son's experiences. The individual, who has challenges with communication, was praised for his commitment by store leadership. "He donated over 600 hours of his energy exclusively because he wanted to belong, make a difference, and create value," said his parent. The parent recognized and acknowledged team members at the Manchester branch for helping him, noting: "They welcomed him and were exceptionally supportive." "I think he was just under the radar - operations were proceeding normally until it went to head office." Both individuals have been supported by Greater Manchester mayor the public figure. He stated on online platforms that Tom had received "completely unacceptable" handling and committed to "help him to find another placement that functions". The official said the regional organization "would encourage each company - like Waitrose - to sign up to our recently launched inclusion initiative". Conversing with Frances, who shared information of the alternative position on local radio, the elected official stated: "Congratulations for raising awareness because we require a significant public information effort here." She accepted his invitation to serve as a representative for the initiative.