🔗 Share this article

The grocery retailer has reversed its determination not to provide paid work to an neurodivergent person after originally indicating he had to discontinue volunteering at the location where he had donated his time for several years.

During the summer, the young man's parent asked whether her family member Tom Boyd could be provided a position at the supermarket in the Manchester area, but her proposal was eventually rejected by the company's corporate office.

On Thursday, competing supermarket Asda said it was interested in providing Tom paid shifts at its Cheadle Hulme store.

Reacting to the company's change of position, Tom's mother commented: "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 further discussions with the company."

'We are investigating'

A official for the supermarket chain stated: "We'd like to have Tom return, in paid employment, and are seeking support from his relatives and the non-profit to do so."

"We expect to welcome him again with us in the near future."

"We care deeply about assisting individuals into the workplace who might usually not be offered opportunities."

"Consequently, we gladly accepted Tom and his support worker into our Manchester location to gain experience and build his confidence."

"We have policies in place to facilitate unpaid work, and are examining the situation in this instance."

The parent stated she had been "profoundly affected" by how individuals had answered to her talking about her family's story.

The young man, who has challenges with communication, was recognized for his dedication by managers.

"He donated extensive time of his time exclusively because he desired community connection, contribute, and make a difference," said his parent.

Frances praised and thanked staff at the Manchester branch for assisting him, stating: "They included him and were exceptionally supportive."

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

Tom and his mum have been supported by regional leader the mayor.

He stated on social media that Tom had received "completely unacceptable" management and vowed to "assist him to identify different opportunities that functions".

The official stated the Greater Manchester Combined Authority "would encourage every business - such as Waitrose - to register to our brand new diversity program".

Speaking with the parent, who announced of Tom's Asda job offer on media outlets, the elected official said: "Congratulations for bringing attention because we need a major education initiative here."

She accepted his offer to become an advocate for the initiative.