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Waitrose has changed its decision not to provide paid work to an neurodivergent person after initially saying he had to cease working at the location where he had worked unpaid for four years.

In July, Frances Boyd inquired whether her adult child the individual could be provided a job at the grocery store in the Manchester area, but her application was eventually rejected by the supermarket's headquarters.

Recently, competing supermarket Asda said it sought to give Tom paid shifts at its Cheadle Hulme store.

Reacting to the company's change of position, the parent stated: "We are going to think about it and determine whether it is in the optimal outcome for Tom to return... and are having ongoing talks with Waitrose."

'Looking into the matter'

A representative for the supermarket chain said: "We'd like to welcome Tom back, in compensated work, and are working closely from his relatives and the non-profit to facilitate this."

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

"We care deeply about assisting individuals into the workplace who might usually not be given a chance."

"Therefore, we gladly accepted Tom and his support worker into our Cheadle Hulme branch to learn the ropes and develop his abilities."

"We have policies in place to enable volunteering, and are investigating the situation in this instance."

The parent said she had been "profoundly affected" by how the public had reacted to her sharing her child's situation.

Tom, who has specific communication needs, was recognized for his commitment by supervisors.

"He contributed over 600 hours of his energy exclusively because he desired community connection, contribute, and create value," said his mother.

Frances recognized and acknowledged team members at Waitrose's Cheadle Hulme store for helping him, noting: "They made him part of the team and were exceptionally supportive."

"I believe he was just not sufficiently noticed - everything was working well until it became a headquarters matter."

Both individuals have been endorsed by local official the mayor.

He wrote on online platforms that Tom had received "deeply concerning" handling and vowed to "assist him to identify different opportunities that functions".

The mayor said the Greater Manchester Combined Authority "would encourage all employers - including Waitrose - to sign up to our recently launched Bee Neuroinclusive Code of Practice".

Conversing with Tom's mother, who shared information of the employment opportunity on local radio, the public figure stated: "Congratulations for highlighting the issue because we need a huge awareness campaign here."

She consented to his offer to become an advocate for the campaign.