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The grocery retailer has overturned its ruling not to offer paid work to an neurodivergent person after previously stating he had to stop volunteering at the store where he had donated his time for several years.

In July, the young man's parent asked whether her adult child Tom Boyd could be offered a employment opportunity at the grocery store in Cheadle Hulme, but her proposal was ultimately declined by Waitrose head office.

This week, alternative retailer Asda announced it sought to give Tom employment hours at its local branch.

Responding to the supermarket's reversal, the parent commented: "We are going to evaluate the situation and decide whether it is in Tom's best interests to go back... and are having additional conversations with Waitrose."

'Conducting an inquiry'

A official for Waitrose said: "We'd like to have Tom return, in compensated work, and are requesting assistance from his relatives and the non-profit to do so."

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

"We care deeply about helping individuals into the employment who might typically not be given a chance."

"Consequently, we gladly accepted Tom and his helper into our local store to build skills and build his confidence."

"We have guidelines in place to facilitate unpaid work, and are reviewing the circumstances in Tom's situation."

Tom's mother explained she had been "profoundly affected" by how people had responded to her sharing her child's situation.

Tom, who has challenges with communication, was praised for his dedication by supervisors.

"He donated over 600 hours of his time purely because he desired community connection, be helpful, and have an impact," commented his mother.

The parent commended and appreciated team members at the local supermarket for supporting him, adding: "They included him and were exceptionally supportive."

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

Both individuals have been endorsed by regional leader Andy Burnham.

He stated on online platforms that Tom had received "completely unacceptable" management and committed to "support him to find another placement that functions".

Burnham declared the local government body "strongly urges all employers - such as Waitrose - to sign up to our newly established diversity program".

Discussing with the parent, who shared information of the alternative position on BBC Radio Manchester, the Labour mayor stated: "Congratulations for highlighting the issue because we must have a significant public information effort here."

She accepted his proposal to become an advocate for the campaign.