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Waitrose has reversed its determination not to offer paid work to an neurodivergent person after originally indicating he had to stop working at the store where he had volunteered for four years.

Earlier this year, Tom's mother asked whether her adult child her son could be given a employment opportunity at the supermarket in the Manchester area, but her application was eventually rejected by Waitrose head office.

On Thursday, competing supermarket Asda announced it sought to give Tom compensated work at its local branch.

Addressing the supermarket's reversal, Tom's mother said: "We are going to consider the offer and determine whether it is in the optimal outcome for Tom to go back... and are having additional conversations with the company."

'We are investigating'

A representative for Waitrose commented: "We'd like to see Tom resume, in compensated work, and are working closely from his relatives and the support organization to facilitate this."

"We anticipate to welcome him again with us shortly."

"We care deeply about supporting workers into the employment who might otherwise 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 procedures in place to enable volunteering, and are reviewing the circumstances in this case."

Tom's mother stated she had been "overwhelmed" by how people had responded to her talking about her son's experiences.

The individual, who has limited communication skills, was praised for his commitment by store leadership.

"He donated extensive time of his time exclusively because he wanted to belong, be helpful, and have an impact," said his parent.

Frances praised and thanked staff at the Manchester branch for supporting him, noting: "They welcomed him and were wonderfully accommodating."

"I think he was just not sufficiently noticed - all was running smoothly until it went to head office."

The family have been supported by regional leader the mayor.

He stated on online platforms that Tom had received "truly terrible" treatment and committed to "assist him to secure alternative employment that works".

Burnham said the local government body "would encourage every business - such as Waitrose - to participate to our brand new inclusion initiative".

Conversing with the parent, who announced of the alternative position on local radio, the public figure said: "Good on you for highlighting the issue because we require a significant public information effort here."

She consented to his offer to serve as a representative for the program.