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The supermarket has reversed its decision not to provide compensated employment to an neurodivergent person after previously stating he had to discontinue stacking shelves at the location where he had worked unpaid for an extended period.

Earlier this year, Frances Boyd requested whether her 28-year-old son her son could be provided a job at the grocery store in Cheadle Hulme, but her proposal was finally turned down by the supermarket's headquarters.

This week, competing supermarket Asda stated it was interested in providing Tom paid shifts at its Manchester location.

Addressing Waitrose's U-turn, the parent stated: "We are going to think about it and determine whether it is in what's best for our son to go back... and are having additional conversations with the company."

'Conducting an inquiry'

A official for the supermarket chain said: "We'd like to see Tom resume, in paid employment, and are working closely from his relatives and the non-profit to facilitate this."

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

"We are committed about assisting people into the workplace who might usually not be provided employment."

"Consequently, we warmly welcomed Tom and his helper into our Cheadle Hulme branch to learn the ropes and enhance his self-assurance."

"We have procedures in place to facilitate community service, and are reviewing the situation in this case."

Frances explained she had been "deeply moved" by how individuals had answered to her discussing her son's experiences.

The individual, who has specific communication needs, was commended for his commitment by supervisors.

"He donated over 600 hours of his energy solely because he sought inclusion, make a difference, and create value," stated his mother.

Frances praised and thanked team members at the local supermarket for supporting him, adding: "They made him part of the team and were wonderfully accommodating."

"I think he was just under the radar - operations were proceeding normally until it reached corporate level."

Tom and his mum have been supported by local official Andy Burnham.

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

The official declared the local government body "strongly urges all employers - such as Waitrose - to register to our recently launched Bee Neuroinclusive Code of Practice".

Discussing with the parent, who shared information of the employment opportunity on media outlets, the Labour mayor commented: "Congratulations for raising awareness because we need a major education initiative here."

She consented to his proposal to serve as a representative for the campaign.