Waitrose implements employment U-turn regarding rejected neurodivergent employee
The supermarket has overturned its ruling not to offer a paying position to an autistic man after originally indicating he had to stop working at the branch where he had volunteered for four years.
Earlier this year, the young man's parent requested whether her 28-year-old son her son could be given a employment opportunity at the retail establishment in Cheadle Hulme, but her application was eventually rejected by the company's corporate office.
Recently, alternative retailer the grocery chain said it was interested in providing Tom employment hours at its local branch.
Addressing the company's change of position, Frances commented: "We are going to evaluate the situation and decide whether it is in Tom's best interests to resume working... and are having ongoing talks with Waitrose."
'Conducting an inquiry'
A representative for the retailer said: "We'd like to see Tom resume, in compensated work, and are working closely from his loved ones and the support organization to make this happen."
"We expect to have him return with us very soon."
"We are committed about helping people into the job market who might usually not be offered opportunities."
"As such, we enthusiastically received Tom and his helper into our local store to gain experience and develop his abilities."
"We have policies in place to facilitate community service, and are investigating what's happened in Tom's situation."
The parent said she had been "deeply moved" by how people had answered to her talking about her family's story.
The young man, who has specific communication needs, was commended for his commitment by supervisors.
"He donated over 600 hours of his effort exclusively because he sought inclusion, make a difference, and make a difference," said his mum.
Tom's mother recognized and acknowledged staff at the local supermarket for assisting him, adding: "They made him part of the team and were wonderfully accommodating."
"I feel he was just not sufficiently noticed - everything was working well until it went to head office."
The family have been supported by regional leader Andy Burnham.
He wrote on online platforms that Tom had received "truly terrible" treatment and committed to "assist him to identify different opportunities that succeeds".
The mayor said the local government body "strongly urges all employers - like Waitrose - to participate to our brand new Bee Neuroinclusive Code of Practice".
Conversing with Frances, who announced of Tom's Asda job offer on local radio, the Labour mayor commented: "Congratulations for raising awareness because we require a significant public information effort here."
She consented to his invitation to act as a spokesperson for the initiative.