🔗 Share this article Waitrose implements job change of heart concerning rejected autistic worker Tom Boyd volunteered at his local Waitrose for four years on a voluntary basis before being first refused for a paying job The supermarket has overturned its ruling not to provide a paying position to an individual with autism after initially saying he had to cease volunteering at the branch where he had volunteered for an extended period. During the summer, Tom's mother inquired whether her adult child her son could be offered a position at the retail establishment in the Manchester area, but her proposal was ultimately declined by the company's corporate office. This week, alternative retailer Asda announced it sought to give Tom compensated work at its Cheadle Hulme store. Reacting to the company's change of position, the parent said: "We are going to evaluate the situation and determine whether it is in Tom's best interests to return... and are having additional conversations with the company." 'Looking into the matter' A representative 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 non-profit to do so." "We hope to see him back with us in the near future." "We place great importance about helping workers into the workplace who might otherwise not be given a chance." "Consequently, we gladly accepted Tom and his helper into our Manchester location to gain experience and develop his abilities." "We have policies in place to support community service, and are reviewing the circumstances in this case." Frances Boyd aims to evaluate what is the most suitable arrangement for her child The parent explained she had been "overwhelmed" by how the public had responded to her sharing her child's situation. Tom, who has challenges with communication, was praised for his work ethic by managers. "He gave extensive time of his time purely because he sought inclusion, make a difference, and make a difference," commented his mother. Frances commended and appreciated staff at the Manchester branch for supporting him, stating: "They included him and were wonderfully accommodating." "I feel he was just flying under the radar - all was running smoothly until it went to head office." Both individuals have been backed by local official the mayor. He wrote on social media that Tom had received "deeply concerning" handling and promised to "help him to identify different opportunities that succeeds". Burnham declared the local government body "actively promotes each company - including Waitrose - to participate to our recently launched diversity program". Conversing with the parent, who shared information of Tom's Asda job offer on local radio, the public figure commented: "Congratulations for raising awareness because we must have a significant public information effort here." She agreed to his offer to serve as a representative for the program.