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The supermarket has reversed its decision not to provide compensated employment to an neurodivergent person after previously stating he had to cease working at the store where he had worked unpaid for an extended period.

Earlier this year, Frances Boyd inquired whether her 28-year-old son the individual could be offered a position at the retail establishment in Cheadle Hulme, but her application was ultimately declined by the supermarket's headquarters.

Recently, competing supermarket the grocery chain stated it wanted to offer Tom employment hours at its Cheadle Hulme store.

Reacting to Waitrose's U-turn, Tom's mother commented: "We are going to think about it and choose whether it is in Tom's best interests to return... and are having ongoing talks with the company."

'Conducting an inquiry'

A official for Waitrose stated: "We'd like to welcome Tom back, in compensated work, and are seeking support from his relatives and the non-profit to make this happen."

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

"We are committed about helping workers into the job market who might usually not be provided employment."

"Consequently, we gladly accepted Tom and his care assistant into our Cheadle Hulme branch to build skills and build his confidence."

"We have policies in place to support volunteering, and are reviewing what's happened in this case."

Tom's mother stated she had been "overwhelmed" by how people had responded to her talking about her family's story.

The young man, who has specific communication needs, was praised for his work ethic by supervisors.

"He gave more than six hundred hours of his time exclusively because he wanted to belong, contribute, and have an impact," stated his mum.

Frances praised and thanked employees at the Manchester branch for helping him, noting: "They included him and were exceptionally supportive."

"I believe he was just flying under the radar - operations were proceeding normally until it became a headquarters matter."

The family have been endorsed by regional leader Andy Burnham.

He posted on online platforms that Tom had received "deeply concerning" handling and promised to "assist him to secure alternative employment that functions".

Burnham said the Greater Manchester Combined Authority "actively promotes every business - including Waitrose - to register to our brand new diversity program".

Discussing with Frances, who shared information of Tom's Asda job offer on BBC Radio Manchester, the Labour mayor commented: "Well done for highlighting the issue because we require a major education initiative here."

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