🔗 Share this article Waitrose implements job U-turn over initially declined autistic worker Tom Boyd volunteered at his neighborhood Waitrose for four years on a voluntary basis before being first refused for a paying job Waitrose has reversed its determination not to offer paid work to an autistic man after previously stating he had to cease volunteering at the location where he had volunteered for an extended period. Earlier this year, the young man's parent inquired whether her 28-year-old son the individual could be given a position at the supermarket in Greater Manchester, but her proposal was finally turned down by the company's corporate office. Recently, rival chain the grocery chain stated it wanted to offer Tom compensated work at its local branch. Responding to Waitrose's U-turn, Tom's mother commented: "We are going to think about it and determine whether it is in what's best for our son to resume working... and are having ongoing talks with Waitrose." 'Conducting an inquiry' A representative for the retailer said: "We'd like to welcome Tom back, in paid employment, and are seeking support from his relatives and the non-profit to do so." "We hope to welcome him again with us in the near future." "We care deeply about supporting individuals into the workplace who might usually not be provided employment." "Therefore, we enthusiastically received Tom and his care assistant into our Cheadle Hulme branch to build skills and enhance his self-assurance." "We have policies in place to enable unpaid work, and are examining the circumstances in this case." Frances Boyd wants to discern what is the optimal opportunity for her son Frances explained she had been "profoundly affected" by how the public had reacted to her discussing her family's story. The individual, who has specific communication needs, was recognized for his dedication by supervisors. "He gave more than six hundred hours of his effort exclusively because he desired community connection, make a difference, and create value," stated his mother. Tom's mother recognized and acknowledged employees at Waitrose's Cheadle Hulme store for helping him, stating: "They made him part of the team and were wonderfully accommodating." "I feel he was just not sufficiently noticed - all was running smoothly until it went to head office." The family have been endorsed by local official the public figure. He posted on online platforms that Tom had received "completely unacceptable" handling and promised to "support him to find another placement that functions". The official stated the Greater Manchester Combined Authority "actively promotes each company - including Waitrose - to participate to our brand new diversity program". Discussing with the parent, who shared information of Tom's Asda job offer on local radio, the Labour mayor commented: "Good on you for highlighting the issue because we must have a huge awareness campaign here." She agreed to his offer to act as a spokesperson for the initiative.