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The supermarket has reversed its ruling not to provide paid work to an neurodivergent person after previously stating he had to cease working at the store where he had worked unpaid for four years.

During the summer, Frances Boyd requested whether her family member the individual could be given a employment opportunity at the retail establishment in Greater Manchester, but her request was finally turned down by the company's corporate office.

This week, alternative retailer Asda stated it was interested in providing Tom compensated work at its local branch.

Addressing Waitrose's U-turn, Frances stated: "We are going to evaluate the situation and determine whether it is in what's best for our son to resume working... and are having additional conversations with the supermarket."

'Conducting an inquiry'

A spokesman for Waitrose commented: "We'd like to see Tom resume, in paid employment, and are seeking support from his relatives and the support organization to facilitate this."

"We hope to welcome him again with us very soon."

"We are committed about supporting workers into the employment who might typically not be offered opportunities."

"Consequently, we gladly accepted Tom and his care assistant into our Manchester location to build skills and build his confidence."

"We have policies in place to enable volunteering, and are reviewing the circumstances in Tom's situation."

Tom's mother said she had been "deeply moved" by how the public had responded to her discussing her son's experiences.

The individual, who has limited communication skills, was commended for his work ethic by store leadership.

"He donated extensive time of his time purely because he desired community connection, make a difference, and create value," said his mother.

The parent commended and appreciated team members at the Manchester branch for helping him, adding: "They made him part of the team and were exceptionally supportive."

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

Tom and his mum have been supported by regional leader the mayor.

He wrote on social media that Tom had received "deeply concerning" handling and promised to "support him to identify different opportunities that succeeds".

The mayor stated the regional organization "would encourage all employers - like Waitrose - to participate to our brand new diversity program".

Discussing with the parent, who broke the news of Tom's Asda job offer on local radio, the Labour mayor commented: "Congratulations for raising awareness because we require a huge awareness campaign here."

She consented to his offer to become an advocate for the program.