🔗 Share this article The supermarket chain implements job reversal concerning rejected autistic worker Tom Boyd stacked shelves at his neighborhood Waitrose for four years on a volunteer arrangement before being initially turned down for a paying job The grocery retailer has changed its ruling not to offer paid work to an individual with autism after initially saying he had to stop volunteering at the store where he had donated his time for four years. During the summer, Tom's mother inquired whether her family member the individual could be given a employment opportunity at the supermarket in the Manchester area, but her application was ultimately declined by Waitrose head office. This week, alternative retailer the grocery chain said it was interested in providing Tom compensated work at its local branch. Addressing Waitrose's U-turn, Tom's mother stated: "We are going to evaluate the situation and decide whether it is in Tom's best interests to go back... and are having further discussions with the supermarket." 'Conducting an inquiry' A representative for Waitrose commented: "We'd like to see Tom resume, in compensated work, and are requesting assistance from his family and the charity to do so." "We hope to welcome him again with us in the near future." "We are committed about assisting individuals into the employment who might otherwise not be provided employment." "Therefore, we enthusiastically received Tom and his helper into our Cheadle Hulme branch to learn the ropes and enhance his self-assurance." "We have policies in place to support community service, and are reviewing what's happened in this instance." Tom's mother seeks to determine what is the most suitable arrangement for her child Frances stated she had been "profoundly affected" by how people had reacted to her talking about her son's experiences. Tom, who has challenges with communication, was praised for his commitment by store leadership. "He gave extensive time of his time purely because he desired community connection, make a difference, and have an impact," stated his parent. Tom's mother commended and appreciated staff at Waitrose's Cheadle Hulme store for supporting him, noting: "They welcomed him and were wonderfully accommodating." "I think he was just not sufficiently noticed - all was running smoothly until it reached corporate level." The family have been backed by regional leader the public figure. He wrote on X that Tom had received "truly terrible" handling and committed to "support him to secure alternative employment that works". The official declared the Greater Manchester Combined Authority "actively promotes each company - including Waitrose - to sign up to our brand new diversity program". Conversing with Frances, who broke the news of the alternative position on media outlets, the Labour mayor said: "Well done for raising awareness because we need a major education initiative here." She consented to his offer to act as a spokesperson for the initiative.