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The grocery retailer has overturned its decision not to offer paid work to an neurodivergent person after initially saying he had to cease working at the branch where he had volunteered for an extended period.

Earlier this year, Frances Boyd asked whether her adult child her son could be given a employment opportunity at the grocery store in Cheadle Hulme, but her request was eventually rejected by the company's corporate office.

On Thursday, rival chain Asda stated it sought to give Tom compensated work at its Manchester location.

Responding to the company's change of position, Frances said: "We are going to consider the offer and determine whether it is in Tom's best interests to resume working... and are having further discussions with the supermarket."

'Looking into the matter'

A official for Waitrose stated: "We'd like to see Tom resume, in paid employment, and are working closely from his loved ones and the support organization to make this happen."

"We hope to welcome him again with us in the near future."

"We place great importance about supporting people into the job market who might otherwise not be offered opportunities."

"Consequently, we enthusiastically received Tom and his helper into our local store to build skills and enhance his self-assurance."

"We have procedures in place to facilitate unpaid work, and are investigating what's happened in Tom's situation."

Tom's mother said she had been "overwhelmed" by how people had responded to her discussing her child's situation.

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

"He donated more than six hundred hours of his effort purely because he sought inclusion, be helpful, and make a difference," stated his mother.

Tom's mother praised and thanked employees at Waitrose's Cheadle Hulme store for helping him, stating: "They made him part of the team and were absolutely brilliant."

"I believe he was just not sufficiently noticed - everything was working well until it went to head office."

Both individuals have been supported by regional leader the public figure.

He stated on social media that Tom had received "deeply concerning" management and vowed to "assist him to secure alternative employment that functions".

Burnham declared the Greater Manchester Combined Authority "would encourage all employers - including Waitrose - to register to our newly established Bee Neuroinclusive Code of Practice".

Discussing with Tom's mother, who shared information of Tom's Asda job offer on media outlets, the public figure commented: "Good on you for highlighting the issue because we need a significant public information effort here."

She agreed to his offer to act as a spokesperson for the campaign.