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Waitrose has overturned its decision not to grant a paying position to an neurodivergent person after initially saying he had to discontinue stacking shelves at the location where he had volunteered for four years.

Earlier this year, Frances Boyd inquired whether her 28-year-old son her son could be offered a employment opportunity at the supermarket in Greater Manchester, but her proposal was ultimately declined by the supermarket's headquarters.

This week, competing supermarket Asda announced it sought to give Tom compensated work at its local branch.

Responding to the supermarket's reversal, Frances stated: "We are going to evaluate the situation and choose whether it is in Tom's best interests to go back... and are having further discussions with the company."

'Conducting an inquiry'

A spokesman for Waitrose commented: "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 expect to have him return with us in the near future."

"We care deeply about assisting people into the employment who might usually not be offered opportunities."

"Therefore, we warmly welcomed Tom and his support worker into our Cheadle Hulme branch to gain experience and enhance his self-assurance."

"We have guidelines in place to enable community service, and are reviewing the circumstances in this case."

The parent stated she had been "profoundly affected" by how people had answered to her sharing her child's situation.

The young man, who has challenges with communication, was recognized for his commitment by supervisors.

"He gave extensive time of his time exclusively because he wanted to belong, be helpful, and create value," stated his mother.

Frances recognized and acknowledged staff at the local supermarket for helping him, stating: "They welcomed him and were wonderfully accommodating."

"I feel he was just not sufficiently noticed - everything was working well until it went to head office."

Tom and his mum have been supported by local official the mayor.

He stated on X that Tom had received "deeply concerning" handling and committed to "help him to identify different opportunities that functions".

The mayor said the local government body "strongly urges every business - including Waitrose - to register to our recently launched inclusion initiative".

Conversing with Tom's mother, who broke the news of the employment opportunity on media outlets, the Labour mayor stated: "Well done for bringing attention because we must have a huge awareness campaign here."

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