🔗 Share this article

The grocery retailer has changed its decision not to grant compensated employment to an neurodivergent person after previously stating he had to cease stacking shelves at the branch where he had donated his time for four years.

Earlier this year, Tom's mother requested whether her 28-year-old son her son could be offered a job at the supermarket in the Manchester area, but her proposal was finally turned down by the company's corporate office.

This week, alternative retailer 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 said: "We are going to evaluate the situation and determine whether it is in Tom's best interests to return... and are having further discussions with the supermarket."

'We are investigating'

A spokesman for the retailer stated: "We'd like to have Tom return, in paid employment, and are requesting assistance from his family and the support organization to do so."

"We expect to see him back with us very soon."

"We care deeply about assisting workers into the workplace who might otherwise not be given a chance."

"Consequently, we gladly accepted Tom and his care assistant into our local store to learn the ropes and build his confidence."

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

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

Tom, who has limited communication skills, was recognized for his work ethic by store leadership.

"He donated more than six hundred hours of his effort solely because he desired community connection, make a difference, and create value," stated his mum.

The parent praised and thanked staff at the Manchester branch for assisting him, stating: "They welcomed him and were absolutely brilliant."

"I think he was just not sufficiently noticed - everything was working well until it became a headquarters matter."

Both individuals have been supported by local official the mayor.

He posted on online platforms that Tom had received "completely unacceptable" handling and committed to "support him to find another placement that succeeds".

The mayor stated the regional organization "actively promotes every business - like Waitrose - to register to our newly established Bee Neuroinclusive Code of Practice".

Conversing with the parent, who announced of Tom's Asda job offer on local radio, the public figure commented: "Good on you for raising awareness because we must have a huge awareness campaign here."

She agreed to his proposal to become an advocate for the program.