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The grocery retailer has reversed its determination not to offer compensated employment to an neurodivergent person after originally indicating he had to discontinue stacking shelves at the location where he had volunteered for an extended period.

During the summer, Frances Boyd asked whether her 28-year-old son the individual could be offered a job at the retail establishment in Cheadle Hulme, but her request was eventually rejected by the supermarket's headquarters.

This week, rival chain Asda said it wanted to offer Tom compensated work at its Manchester location.

Addressing the supermarket's reversal, Tom's mother said: "We are going to evaluate the situation and decide whether it is in the optimal outcome for Tom to return... and are having additional conversations with the supermarket."

'We are investigating'

A representative for Waitrose stated: "We'd like to have Tom return, in paid employment, and are seeking support from his family and the support organization to make this happen."

"We expect to see him back with us very soon."

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

"Consequently, we warmly welcomed Tom and his care assistant into our Manchester location to learn the ropes and develop his abilities."

"We have procedures in place to support unpaid work, and are reviewing the situation in Tom's situation."

Tom's mother stated she had been "deeply moved" by how people had responded to her talking about her child's situation.

The individual, who has limited communication skills, was praised for his commitment by supervisors.

"He gave extensive time of his energy purely because he desired community connection, make a difference, and have an impact," stated his parent.

Tom's mother recognized and acknowledged team members at Waitrose's Cheadle Hulme store for helping him, adding: "They welcomed him and were exceptionally supportive."

"I think he was just not sufficiently noticed - all was running smoothly until it reached corporate level."

Tom and his mum have been supported by local official Andy Burnham.

He wrote on social media that Tom had received "deeply concerning" management and promised to "assist him to find another placement that works".

The mayor said the local government body "actively promotes all employers - such as Waitrose - to register to our brand new diversity program".

Conversing with Frances, who broke the news of Tom's Asda job offer on local radio, the public figure commented: "Congratulations for bringing attention because we require a major education initiative here."

She agreed to his invitation to become an advocate for the initiative.