Waitrose executes employment U-turn concerning rejected neurodivergent worker

The supermarket has changed its determination not to grant paid work to an neurodivergent person after previously stating he had to discontinue stacking shelves at the store where he had volunteered for several years.

Earlier this year, Tom's mother asked whether her 28-year-old son Tom Boyd could be given a position at the supermarket in the Manchester area, but her proposal was finally turned down by the supermarket's headquarters.

On Thursday, alternative retailer Asda announced it sought to give Tom employment hours at its local branch.

Reacting to the supermarket's reversal, Tom's mother said: "We are going to think about it and choose whether it is in Tom's best interests to go back... and are having ongoing talks with Waitrose."

'Conducting an inquiry'

A spokesman for the retailer said: "We'd like to have Tom return, in compensated work, and are seeking support from his family and the charity to make this happen."

"We anticipate to see him back with us shortly."

"We are committed about supporting workers into the employment who might typically not be given a chance."

"Therefore, we warmly welcomed Tom and his support worker into our Manchester location to build skills and develop his abilities."

"We have procedures in place to facilitate volunteering, and are examining the circumstances in Tom's situation."

The parent explained she had been "profoundly affected" by how people had answered to her sharing her child's situation.

The individual, who has challenges with communication, was recognized for his dedication by store leadership.

"He donated more than six hundred hours of his time exclusively because he sought inclusion, be helpful, and create value," commented his parent.

The parent commended and appreciated team members at Waitrose's Cheadle Hulme store for helping him, noting: "They welcomed him and were wonderfully accommodating."

"I believe he was just not sufficiently noticed - operations were proceeding normally until it became a headquarters matter."

The family have been backed by Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham.

He wrote on online platforms that Tom had received "deeply concerning" handling and vowed to "assist him to secure alternative employment that succeeds".

Burnham stated the Greater Manchester Combined Authority "would encourage every business - like Waitrose - to participate to our newly established diversity program".

Discussing with the parent, who announced of the employment opportunity on media outlets, the Labour mayor said: "Good on you for raising awareness because we require a major education initiative here."

She consented to his offer to become an advocate for the initiative.