The supermarket chain makes job U-turn over initially declined autistic worker

The supermarket has overturned its determination not to offer paid work to an individual with autism after originally indicating he had to cease stacking shelves at the location where he had worked unpaid for several years.

During the summer, Tom's mother asked whether her adult child her son could be provided a position at the grocery store in Greater Manchester, but her proposal was finally turned down by the company's corporate office.

This week, competing supermarket the grocery chain stated it sought to give Tom compensated work at its Manchester location.

Responding to the supermarket's reversal, the parent said: "We are going to think about it and decide whether it is in Tom's best interests to return... and are having ongoing talks with the supermarket."

'Looking into the matter'

A spokesman for Waitrose commented: "We'd like to see Tom resume, in compensated work, and are working closely from his loved ones and the charity to make this happen."

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

"We care deeply about helping workers into the workplace who might typically not be given a chance."

"Therefore, we enthusiastically received Tom and his support worker into our local store to learn the ropes and enhance his self-assurance."

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

Tom's mother stated she had been "deeply moved" by how people had reacted to her discussing her child's situation.

The young man, who has specific communication needs, was praised for his work ethic by managers.

"He gave over 600 hours of his energy exclusively because he desired community connection, make a difference, and create value," said his parent.

Tom's mother praised and thanked team members at the Manchester branch for assisting him, noting: "They made him part of the team and were wonderfully accommodating."

"I think he was just flying under the radar - everything was working well until it went to head office."

The family have been backed by local official Andy Burnham.

He posted on social media that Tom had received "deeply concerning" handling and vowed to "support him to secure alternative employment that works".

The mayor said the regional organization "actively promotes all employers - like Waitrose - to register to our recently launched inclusion initiative".

Discussing with Frances, who announced of the employment opportunity on BBC Radio Manchester, the elected official said: "Good on you for raising awareness because we need a huge awareness campaign here."

She accepted his invitation to serve as a representative for the program.