Waitrose makes job change of heart over rejected neurodivergent employee

Waitrose has changed its decision not to grant paid work to an neurodivergent person after originally indicating he had to stop volunteering at the location where he had donated his time for several years.

Earlier this year, the young man's parent asked whether her 28-year-old son her son could be provided a position at the grocery store in Cheadle Hulme, but her application was finally turned down by Waitrose head office.

This week, competing supermarket the grocery chain said it was interested in providing Tom employment hours at its local branch.

Reacting to the supermarket's reversal, the parent 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 Waitrose."

'Conducting an inquiry'

A representative for the supermarket chain commented: "We'd like to have Tom return, in paid employment, and are requesting assistance from his relatives and the support organization to do so."

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

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

"Consequently, we warmly welcomed Tom and his care assistant into our Manchester location to build skills and enhance his self-assurance."

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

The parent said she had been "overwhelmed" by how the public had reacted to her talking about her family's story.

The young man, who has specific communication needs, was recognized for his work ethic by supervisors.

"He contributed over 600 hours of his time exclusively because he wanted to belong, contribute, and make a difference," commented his parent.

The parent praised and thanked team members at the local supermarket for assisting him, adding: "They welcomed him and were absolutely brilliant."

"I believe he was just flying under the radar - all was running smoothly until it went to head office."

The family have been endorsed by local official the mayor.

He posted on X that Tom had received "truly terrible" treatment and vowed to "help him to identify different opportunities that functions".

Burnham said the Greater Manchester Combined Authority "would encourage all employers - including Waitrose - to participate to our newly established Bee Neuroinclusive Code of Practice".

Speaking with Tom's mother, who shared information of the employment opportunity on media outlets, the public figure commented: "Good on you for highlighting the issue because we must have a huge awareness campaign here."

She accepted his proposal to serve as a representative for the program.