🔗 Share this article

The grocery retailer has overturned its decision not to offer compensated employment to an individual with autism after originally indicating he had to discontinue working at the store where he had donated his time for several years.

During the summer, Tom's mother requested whether her family member her son could be provided a employment opportunity at the retail establishment in the Manchester area, but her request was finally turned down by the company's corporate office.

This week, alternative retailer the grocery chain stated it wanted to offer Tom paid shifts at its Manchester location.

Reacting to the company's change of position, the parent stated: "We are going to think about it and determine whether it is in what's best for our son to return... and are having ongoing talks with the company."

'Looking into the matter'

A representative for the supermarket chain commented: "We'd like to see Tom resume, in compensated work, and are requesting assistance from his loved ones and the support organization to facilitate this."

"We expect to have him return with us in the near future."

"We care deeply about supporting workers into the workplace who might typically not be provided employment."

"As such, we warmly welcomed Tom and his care assistant into our Manchester location to build skills and build his confidence."

"We have policies in place to support unpaid work, and are investigating what's happened in this instance."

Tom's mother stated she had been "deeply moved" by how individuals had responded to her talking about her family's story.

The individual, who has specific communication needs, was praised for his work ethic by store leadership.

"He gave more than six hundred hours of his effort exclusively because he sought inclusion, contribute, and have an impact," commented his mother.

The parent commended and appreciated employees at the local supermarket for assisting him, adding: "They welcomed him and were exceptionally supportive."

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

Both individuals have been endorsed by local official the public figure.

He posted on social media that Tom had received "deeply concerning" management and promised to "help him to find another placement that succeeds".

Burnham stated the regional organization "strongly urges all employers - like Waitrose - to sign up to our recently launched inclusion initiative".

Conversing with Tom's mother, who shared information of the alternative position on BBC Radio Manchester, the Labour mayor said: "Good on you for highlighting the issue because we must have a significant public information effort here."

She consented to his proposal to act as a spokesperson for the program.