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Waitrose has reversed its determination not to provide compensated employment to an neurodivergent person after originally indicating he had to cease stacking shelves at the store where he had volunteered for an extended period.

During the summer, Tom's mother inquired whether her adult child Tom Boyd could be offered a position at the supermarket in the Manchester area, but her application was eventually rejected by the supermarket's headquarters.

On Thursday, rival chain Asda said it wanted to offer Tom employment hours at its Cheadle Hulme store.

Responding to Waitrose's U-turn, Frances stated: "We are going to consider the offer and decide whether it is in the optimal outcome for Tom to resume working... and are having ongoing talks with the company."

'We are investigating'

A representative for Waitrose commented: "We'd like to welcome Tom back, in compensated work, and are working closely from his loved ones and the support organization to do so."

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

"We place great importance about supporting workers into the job market who might otherwise not be given a chance."

"Consequently, we gladly accepted Tom and his support worker into our Cheadle Hulme branch to build skills and enhance his self-assurance."

"We have procedures in place to facilitate community service, and are investigating the circumstances in this case."

Tom's mother stated she had been "overwhelmed" by how people had reacted to her discussing her son's experiences.

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

"He gave over 600 hours of his time purely because he sought inclusion, make a difference, and make a difference," said his mum.

The parent recognized and acknowledged team members at the local supermarket for assisting him, noting: "They made him part of the team and were absolutely brilliant."

"I feel he was just under the radar - all was running smoothly until it reached corporate level."

Tom and his mum have been backed by local official the public figure.

He wrote on X that Tom had received "truly terrible" management and promised to "assist him to secure alternative employment that functions".

The official stated the local government body "would encourage every business - like Waitrose - to register to our newly established inclusion initiative".

Discussing with the parent, who broke the news of the employment opportunity on media outlets, the elected official said: "Well done for highlighting the issue because we need a major education initiative here."

She accepted his proposal to serve as a representative for the initiative.