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The grocery retailer has changed its decision not to offer compensated employment to an neurodivergent person after initially saying he had to cease volunteering at the branch where he had volunteered for several years.

In July, Tom's mother requested whether her 28-year-old son Tom Boyd could be given a job at the grocery store in Greater Manchester, but her proposal was finally turned down by Waitrose head office.

This week, rival chain Asda said it sought to give Tom paid shifts at its Manchester location.

Addressing the supermarket's reversal, Tom's mother stated: "We are going to think about it and choose whether it is in what's best for our son to return... and are having ongoing talks with Waitrose."

'We are investigating'

A official for Waitrose stated: "We'd like to welcome Tom back, in paid employment, and are requesting assistance from his family and the support organization to facilitate this."

"We anticipate to have him return with us shortly."

"We place great importance about assisting workers into the workplace who might usually not be offered opportunities."

"Therefore, we gladly accepted Tom and his care assistant into our local store to build skills and build his confidence."

"We have procedures in place to support community service, and are investigating the situation in Tom's situation."

The parent explained she had been "deeply moved" by how the public had answered to her sharing her son's experiences.

The young man, who has limited communication skills, was praised for his commitment by managers.

"He donated over 600 hours of his time solely because he wanted to belong, make a difference, and make a difference," commented his parent.

Frances recognized and acknowledged team members at the local supermarket for helping him, noting: "They included him and were wonderfully accommodating."

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

Both individuals have been backed by Greater Manchester mayor the public figure.

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

Burnham declared the local government body "actively promotes every business - including Waitrose - to register to our recently launched inclusion initiative".

Conversing with Tom's mother, who announced of Tom's Asda job offer on BBC Radio Manchester, the Labour mayor stated: "Congratulations for highlighting the issue because we must have a major education initiative here."

She agreed to his offer to serve as a representative for the program.