🔗 Share this article

The supermarket has overturned its ruling not to provide a paying position to an neurodivergent person after originally indicating he had to discontinue working at the branch where he had donated his time for several years.

During the summer, Tom's mother asked whether her 28-year-old son the individual could be offered a employment opportunity at the supermarket in the Manchester area, but her proposal was ultimately declined by the supermarket's headquarters.

This week, competing supermarket the grocery chain announced it was interested in providing Tom employment hours at its Manchester location.

Addressing the supermarket's reversal, Frances stated: "We are going to consider the offer and choose whether it is in Tom's best interests to return... and are having further discussions with Waitrose."

'We are investigating'

A official for the supermarket chain stated: "We'd like to have Tom return, in a paying position, and are seeking support from his relatives and the non-profit to facilitate this."

"We expect to welcome him again with us shortly."

"We place great importance about supporting people into the employment who might usually not be offered opportunities."

"Consequently, we enthusiastically received Tom and his care assistant into our Cheadle Hulme branch to learn the ropes and enhance his self-assurance."

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

Frances stated she had been "overwhelmed" by how the public had reacted to her talking about her family's story.

The young man, who has limited communication skills, was recognized for his dedication by supervisors.

"He gave more than six hundred hours of his energy exclusively because he sought inclusion, contribute, and make a difference," said his mum.

Frances recognized and acknowledged team members at the Manchester branch for supporting him, adding: "They welcomed him and were absolutely brilliant."

"I believe he was just under the radar - all was running smoothly until it became a headquarters matter."

The family have been endorsed by regional leader Andy Burnham.

He stated on X that Tom had received "completely unacceptable" handling and promised to "assist him to find another placement that functions".

Burnham declared the Greater Manchester Combined Authority "would encourage each company - such as Waitrose - to participate to our newly established diversity program".

Conversing with the parent, who broke the news of the alternative position on BBC Radio Manchester, the elected official stated: "Well done for bringing attention because we must have a significant public information effort here."

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