🔗 Share this article

Waitrose has reversed its ruling not to offer a paying position to an individual with autism after originally indicating he had to discontinue stacking shelves at the location where he had volunteered for an extended period.

Earlier this year, Tom's mother asked whether her family member her son could be offered a position at the retail establishment in Cheadle Hulme, but her request was finally turned down by the supermarket's headquarters.

Recently, competing supermarket the grocery chain said it sought to give Tom paid shifts at its Cheadle Hulme store.

Reacting to the company's change of position, the parent said: "We are going to consider the offer and determine whether it is in what's best for our son to resume working... and are having ongoing talks with Waitrose."

'Looking into the matter'

A official for the retailer stated: "We'd like to welcome Tom back, in a paying position, and are requesting assistance from his family and the charity to do so."

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

"We care deeply about helping workers into the job market who might typically not be offered opportunities."

"As such, we enthusiastically received Tom and his helper into our Cheadle Hulme branch to learn the ropes and enhance his self-assurance."

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

The parent said she had been "deeply moved" by how individuals had reacted to her sharing her child's situation.

The individual, who has limited communication skills, was praised for his dedication by store leadership.

"He contributed over 600 hours of his effort solely because he desired community connection, make a difference, and make a difference," commented his mum.

The parent praised and thanked staff at Waitrose's Cheadle Hulme store for assisting him, adding: "They welcomed him and were absolutely brilliant."

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

Both individuals have been endorsed by local official Andy Burnham.

He stated on online platforms that Tom had received "completely unacceptable" management and promised to "support him to identify different opportunities that works".

Burnham declared the Greater Manchester Combined Authority "strongly urges every business - like Waitrose - to participate to our brand new diversity program".

Speaking with the parent, who broke the news of the employment opportunity on media outlets, the public figure commented: "Congratulations for bringing attention because we must have a significant public information effort here."

She consented to his invitation to become an advocate for the campaign.