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The supermarket has overturned its determination not to grant compensated employment to an neurodivergent person after originally indicating he had to cease volunteering at the store where he had donated his time for four years.

During the summer, the young man's parent requested whether her 28-year-old son the individual could be given a job at the retail establishment in the Manchester area, but her proposal was ultimately declined by the company's corporate office.

This week, alternative retailer Asda announced it wanted to offer Tom compensated work at its local branch.

Reacting to Waitrose's U-turn, Frances said: "We are going to evaluate the situation and decide whether it is in Tom's best interests to resume working... and are having additional conversations with the supermarket."

'We are investigating'

A representative for Waitrose commented: "We'd like to welcome Tom back, in paid employment, and are working closely from his relatives and the charity to do so."

"We anticipate to see him back with us shortly."

"We are committed about helping workers into the employment who might typically not be provided employment."

"As such, we enthusiastically received Tom and his care assistant into our Manchester location to learn the ropes and build his confidence."

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

Tom's mother said she had been "profoundly affected" by how the public had answered to her sharing her child's situation.

The young man, who has specific communication needs, was commended for his dedication by store leadership.

"He contributed over 600 hours of his time purely because he wanted to belong, make a difference, and have an impact," commented his mother.

The parent praised and thanked staff at the local supermarket for supporting him, noting: "They included him and were wonderfully accommodating."

"I think he was just under the radar - everything was working well until it became a headquarters matter."

The family have been supported by Greater Manchester mayor the public figure.

He stated on X that Tom had received "completely unacceptable" management and promised to "support him to identify different opportunities that functions".

The mayor stated the local government body "would encourage all employers - such as Waitrose - to participate to our newly established inclusion initiative".

Speaking with Tom's mother, who broke the news of Tom's Asda job offer on local radio, the public figure commented: "Congratulations for bringing attention because we must have a huge awareness campaign here."

She consented to his invitation to act as a spokesperson for the campaign.