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The grocery retailer has overturned its decision not to offer a paying position to an neurodivergent person after initially saying he had to discontinue working at the branch where he had worked unpaid for an extended period.

During the summer, Frances Boyd asked whether her adult child Tom Boyd could be provided a position at the retail establishment in Cheadle Hulme, but her proposal was ultimately declined by the supermarket's headquarters.

On Thursday, rival chain Asda announced it sought to give Tom paid shifts at its Manchester location.

Responding to the company's change of position, Frances said: "We are going to think about it and decide whether it is in the optimal outcome for Tom to go back... and are having further discussions with the supermarket."

'We are investigating'

A representative for Waitrose commented: "We'd like to have Tom return, in a paying position, and are requesting assistance from his loved ones and the charity to facilitate this."

"We anticipate to see him back with us in the near future."

"We place great importance about assisting individuals into the workplace who might usually not be given a chance."

"As such, we warmly welcomed Tom and his care assistant into our Cheadle Hulme branch to gain experience and enhance his self-assurance."

"We have policies in place to support unpaid work, and are reviewing the circumstances in this case."

Tom's mother stated she had been "overwhelmed" by how people had reacted to her sharing her child's situation.

The young man, who has challenges with communication, was praised for his work ethic by managers.

"He donated more than six hundred hours of his energy solely because he sought inclusion, contribute, and create value," 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 think he was just not sufficiently noticed - operations were proceeding normally until it went to head office."

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

He stated on online platforms that Tom had received "truly terrible" treatment and promised to "help him to secure alternative employment that succeeds".

Burnham declared the regional organization "actively promotes every business - including Waitrose - to sign up to our recently launched diversity program".

Discussing with the parent, who announced of the alternative position on BBC Radio Manchester, the Labour mayor stated: "Well done for highlighting the issue because we need a huge awareness campaign here."

She accepted his offer to become an advocate for the initiative.