A deaf man named Farid Alimardani was “shocked” when he was offered a job at Waitrose, complete with a personal sign language interpreter. He’s now training to become a wine expert and is preparing for a busy Christmas season. Farid, from Westminster, started working in the fruit and vegetable aisle at the Belgravia Waitrose five years ago. His interpreter and close friend, Emma Thomas, 39, from Hove, helps him communicate with customers.