🔗 Share this article

The supermarket has overturned its ruling not to provide paid work to an autistic man after initially saying he had to cease stacking shelves at the store where he had donated his time for an extended period.

In July, Tom's mother inquired whether her family member the individual could be offered a job at the retail establishment in Greater Manchester, but her application was ultimately declined by the supermarket's headquarters.

This week, rival chain Asda stated it was interested in providing Tom employment hours at its local branch.

Reacting to the company's change of position, Tom's mother stated: "We are going to evaluate the situation and determine whether it is in what's best for our son to go back... and are having additional conversations with the supermarket."

'We are investigating'

A representative for the supermarket chain said: "We'd like to welcome Tom back, in a paying position, and are working closely from his relatives and the charity to do so."

"We hope to have him return with us shortly."

"We care deeply about supporting individuals into the job market who might usually not be offered opportunities."

"As such, we warmly welcomed Tom and his helper into our Cheadle Hulme branch to build skills and enhance his self-assurance."

"We have procedures in place to facilitate volunteering, and are reviewing what's happened in this instance."

Frances stated she had been "profoundly affected" by how individuals had answered to her discussing her son's experiences.

Tom, who has challenges with communication, was commended for his work ethic by managers.

"He contributed more than six hundred hours of his time purely because he sought inclusion, be helpful, and make a difference," commented his parent.

Tom's mother commended and appreciated employees at the local supermarket for helping him, adding: "They included him and were absolutely brilliant."

"I believe he was just under the radar - everything was working well until it became a headquarters matter."

Both individuals have been backed by local official Andy Burnham.

He wrote on social media that Tom had received "completely unacceptable" management and vowed to "assist him to find another placement that functions".

The mayor stated the regional organization "actively promotes every business - such as Waitrose - to register to our newly established diversity program".

Discussing with the parent, who broke the news of the alternative position on BBC Radio Manchester, the public figure commented: "Well done for raising awareness because we require a significant public information effort here."

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