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The supermarket has reversed its decision not to offer paid work to an neurodivergent person after initially saying he had to stop stacking shelves at the branch where he had donated his time for four years.

Earlier this year, Tom's mother inquired whether her 28-year-old son Tom Boyd could be given a employment opportunity at the retail establishment in the Manchester area, but her application was finally turned down by Waitrose head office.

On Thursday, competing supermarket the grocery chain said it was interested in providing Tom paid shifts at its Manchester location.

Addressing Waitrose's U-turn, Frances said: "We are going to consider the offer and choose whether it is in Tom's best interests to return... and are having additional conversations with the company."

'We are investigating'

A official for Waitrose said: "We'd like to have Tom return, in compensated work, and are seeking support from his family and the support organization to do so."

"We anticipate to see him back with us in the near future."

"We care deeply about supporting workers into the job market who might otherwise not be offered opportunities."

"Consequently, we gladly accepted Tom and his support worker into our local store to learn the ropes and develop his abilities."

"We have guidelines in place to facilitate unpaid work, and are examining the circumstances in this case."

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

Tom, who has specific communication needs, was recognized for his commitment by store leadership.

"He contributed extensive time of his energy purely because he sought inclusion, make a difference, and have an impact," commented his parent.

Frances recognized and acknowledged staff at the Manchester branch for assisting him, noting: "They included him and were wonderfully accommodating."

"I feel he was just not sufficiently noticed - all was running smoothly until it became a headquarters matter."

The family have been backed by local official Andy Burnham.

He posted on social media that Tom had received "deeply concerning" treatment and committed to "support him to identify different opportunities that functions".

The official declared the Greater Manchester Combined Authority "strongly urges each company - such as Waitrose - to register to our brand new diversity program".

Conversing with the parent, who broke the news of Tom's Asda job offer on BBC Radio Manchester, the Labour mayor stated: "Good on you for highlighting the issue because we require a huge awareness campaign here."

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