🔗 Share this article

The supermarket has changed its ruling not to offer compensated employment to an neurodivergent person after previously stating he had to discontinue stacking shelves at the store where he had worked unpaid for four years.

In July, Frances Boyd asked whether her adult child the individual could be provided a job at the retail establishment in Greater Manchester, but her request was ultimately declined by the supermarket's headquarters.

Recently, alternative retailer Asda announced it sought to give Tom employment hours at its Cheadle Hulme store.

Reacting to the supermarket's reversal, Frances said: "We are going to evaluate the situation and determine whether it is in the optimal outcome for Tom to return... and are having ongoing talks with the company."

'We are investigating'

A official for the supermarket chain commented: "We'd like to welcome Tom back, in a paying position, and are requesting assistance from his family and the support organization to make this happen."

"We expect to see him back with us very soon."

"We care deeply about assisting individuals into the job market who might otherwise not be provided employment."

"Therefore, we enthusiastically received Tom and his helper into our local store to gain experience and enhance his self-assurance."

"We have guidelines in place to facilitate community service, and are investigating what's happened in Tom's situation."

The parent said she had been "profoundly affected" by how individuals had responded to her talking about her son's experiences.

Tom, who has challenges with communication, was recognized for his work ethic by store leadership.

"He donated more than six hundred hours of his energy exclusively because he desired community connection, contribute, and make a difference," said his parent.

The parent commended and appreciated team members at the local supermarket for helping him, stating: "They made him part of the team and were absolutely brilliant."

"I believe he was just not sufficiently noticed - operations were proceeding normally until it reached corporate level."

Tom and his mum have been supported by local official the mayor.

He stated on X that Tom had received "completely unacceptable" management and committed to "help him to secure alternative employment that succeeds".

The mayor said the regional organization "would encourage all employers - like Waitrose - to sign up to our newly established Bee Neuroinclusive Code of Practice".

Speaking with Frances, who announced of Tom's Asda job offer on local radio, the public figure said: "Congratulations for bringing attention because we need a significant public information effort here."

She accepted his offer to act as a spokesperson for the campaign.