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Waitrose has changed its ruling not to offer compensated employment to an neurodivergent person after originally indicating he had to discontinue volunteering at the store where he had volunteered for four years.

During the summer, Frances Boyd requested whether her adult child the individual could be given a employment opportunity at the retail establishment in the Manchester area, but her request was ultimately declined by the company's corporate office.

On Thursday, alternative retailer Asda announced it wanted to offer Tom paid shifts at its Cheadle Hulme store.

Addressing Waitrose's U-turn, Frances stated: "We are going to evaluate the situation and choose whether it is in the optimal outcome for Tom to return... and are having additional conversations with the supermarket."

'Conducting an inquiry'

A official for the supermarket chain commented: "We'd like to have Tom return, in a paying position, and are requesting assistance from his loved ones and the support organization to facilitate this."

"We hope to welcome him again with us very soon."

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

"Therefore, we gladly accepted Tom and his care assistant into our Cheadle Hulme branch to gain experience and enhance his self-assurance."

"We have policies in place to facilitate community service, and are examining the situation in this case."

Tom's mother said she had been "overwhelmed" by how the public had responded to her discussing her son's experiences.

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

"He gave extensive time of his energy exclusively because he desired community connection, make a difference, and have an impact," said his mum.

Frances commended and appreciated employees at Waitrose's Cheadle Hulme store for supporting him, adding: "They made him part of the team and were exceptionally supportive."

"I feel he was just not sufficiently noticed - everything was working well until it became a headquarters matter."

Tom and his mum have been backed by regional leader Andy Burnham.

He stated on online platforms that Tom had received "deeply concerning" management and committed to "assist him to identify different opportunities that functions".

The official said the local government body "would encourage all employers - such as Waitrose - to sign up to our brand new inclusion initiative".

Discussing with the parent, who announced of Tom's Asda job offer on media outlets, the elected official stated: "Good on you for highlighting the issue because we need a huge awareness campaign here."

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