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Waitrose has overturned its ruling not to provide compensated employment to an neurodivergent person after originally indicating he had to stop working at the location where he had worked unpaid for four years.

During the summer, the young man's parent asked whether her family member her son could be offered a position at the grocery store in Greater Manchester, but her proposal was finally turned down by Waitrose head office.

This week, alternative retailer Asda said it wanted to offer Tom paid shifts at its Manchester location.

Addressing the company's change of position, Frances commented: "We are going to evaluate the situation and decide whether it is in Tom's best interests to return... and are having ongoing talks with the company."

'We are investigating'

A official for the retailer stated: "We'd like to welcome Tom back, in a paying position, and are requesting assistance from his loved ones and the charity to facilitate this."

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

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

"Therefore, we gladly accepted Tom and his care assistant into our Manchester location to build skills and enhance his self-assurance."

"We have guidelines in place to support volunteering, and are reviewing the circumstances in this case."

Frances said she had been "overwhelmed" by how individuals had answered to her sharing her son's experiences.

The individual, who has limited communication skills, was recognized for his work ethic by supervisors.

"He gave over 600 hours of his energy exclusively because he sought inclusion, contribute, and have an impact," said his mother.

Frances praised and thanked staff at Waitrose's Cheadle Hulme store for supporting him, noting: "They welcomed him and were absolutely brilliant."

"I feel he was just flying under the radar - operations were proceeding normally until it became a headquarters matter."

Tom and his mum have been backed by local official the mayor.

He posted on social media that Tom had received "deeply concerning" treatment and committed to "help him to secure alternative employment that works".

The official said the Greater Manchester Combined Authority "actively promotes every business - like Waitrose - to sign up to our newly established diversity program".

Speaking with the parent, who shared information of the alternative position on local radio, the Labour mayor stated: "Congratulations for bringing attention because we require a major education initiative here."

She accepted his offer to act as a spokesperson for the initiative.