🔗 Share this article The supermarket chain executes employment change of heart over initially declined autistic worker Tom Boyd stacked shelves at his neighborhood Waitrose for an extended period on a voluntary basis before being initially turned down for paid work Waitrose has changed its ruling not to grant paid work to an autistic man after previously stating he had to cease working at the location where he had donated his time for several years. During the summer, Frances Boyd requested whether her 28-year-old son her son could be offered a job at the supermarket in Cheadle Hulme, but her application was finally turned down by the supermarket's headquarters. Recently, alternative retailer the grocery chain stated it wanted to offer Tom employment hours at its Cheadle Hulme store. Responding to the supermarket's reversal, Frances commented: "We are going to evaluate the situation and choose whether it is in the optimal outcome for Tom to go back... and are having additional conversations with the supermarket." 'Looking into the matter' A spokesman for Waitrose said: "We'd like to have Tom return, in paid employment, and are working closely from his relatives and the charity to do so." "We anticipate to welcome him again with us shortly." "We care deeply about supporting workers into the employment who might usually not be given a chance." "Consequently, we enthusiastically received Tom and his care assistant into our local store to learn the ropes and enhance his self-assurance." "We have guidelines in place to facilitate community service, and are examining the circumstances in this case." The parent wants to discern what is the most suitable arrangement for her child Tom's mother explained she had been "profoundly affected" by how people had responded to her talking about her son's experiences. The individual, who has challenges with communication, was recognized for his dedication by managers. "He gave over 600 hours of his effort purely because he desired community connection, contribute, and create value," said his mum. Tom's mother recognized and acknowledged employees at Waitrose's Cheadle Hulme store for helping him, adding: "They included him and were wonderfully accommodating." "I feel he was just under the radar - everything was working well until it reached corporate level." Tom and his mum have been endorsed by local official the mayor. He posted on social media that Tom had received "deeply concerning" treatment and promised to "assist him to secure alternative employment that succeeds". The mayor stated the Greater Manchester Combined Authority "strongly urges each company - like Waitrose - to register to our recently launched Bee Neuroinclusive Code of Practice". Discussing with Frances, who announced of the employment opportunity on local radio, the elected official stated: "Good on you for bringing attention because we must have a major education initiative here." She accepted his proposal to become an advocate for the initiative.