Being repeatedly named ‘star of the shift’ is not something that crew member Tom could have envisaged just a few months ago. Previously rejected for multiple roles, Tom and potential employers struggled to harness his skills, shaped by a 2025 autism diagnosis. Now, a supportive partnership between Ingeus and neurodiversity specialists AutonoMe, has served up success for Tom at a fast-food restaurant in Salford Quays.
“It feels like I’m actually doing something right for once – it’s amazing,” says the 27 year-old, who had struggled with the disappointment of job rejections for two years. Difficulties studying at school and time spent living abroad with his family had left Tom with only temporary work experience. Returning to live in Stockport, he volunteered and completed trial shifts but was never granted his ‘big break’. With his mental health significantly impacted, a tearful Tom was referred by Jobcentre Plus to the Restart Scheme, delivered by Ingeus in Greater Manchester, for the specialist support he needed.
A large part of that support included working with Ingeus’ partner, AutonoMe, which supports people with neurodivergent conditions and learning disabilities to live and work independently. With one-to-one pre-employment sessions and a bespoke App with specialised videos and information, Tom learnt coping mechanisms for work and was helped to understand and disclose his autism. Concurrently working with his Restart Advisor, Tom was referred for mental health support, attended job search sessions using the facilities at the Stockport Restart Centre, and practiced his interview technique.
With his questions answered and new-found confidence in his abilities, Ingeus referred Tom to a two-week hospitality training programme, ending with a trail shift and guaranteed interview – where Tom’s preparation really paid off:
“At the interview I thought ‘hold on, I went over this at Ingeus so I know what to say this time’. It boosted my confidence for sure. I felt prepared and that I was on a direct path to work, whereas I’d always had the same disappointing result before.
“I felt heard at Ingeus – that they really wanted to help me. Recommending I work with AutonoMe made a huge difference. It felt safe to ask anything and the videos were really useful – everything from how to use online maps to plan work travel to how to cook a chicken curry – that’s the first one I looked at!
“It was a huge weight off my chest knowing how to talk to people about neurodivergence – that they’d understand that, okay, you’ve got autism, you’re going to do things a little bit differently. I can still be me at work, autism isn’t an obstacle, me and my employer just needed advice on how to manage it.”
Tom now coordinates with other crew members to busily collate food and drink orders and deliver them to grateful diners. He requires no adaptations to his role and is keen to increase his two day a week rota. He continues to receive in-work support from the Restart Scheme and can call on AutonoMe at any time, with employment support in place funded by the Government’s Access to Work scheme.
“I still find it hard to believe,” says Tom, as he reflects on the past few months, “and when I’m named as one of the hardest working people on my shift, it feels brilliant. I immediately phone my mum to tell her.
“My favourite part is serving the customers. I check they have everything they need and wish them a nice day, with a smile of course.”
