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The supermarket has overturned its decision not to provide paid work to an neurodivergent person after previously stating he had to discontinue volunteering at the store where he had donated his time for an extended period.

During the summer, Tom's mother inquired whether her 28-year-old son her son could be provided a position at the supermarket in the Manchester area, but her proposal was finally turned down by the company's corporate office.

Recently, alternative retailer Asda stated it wanted to offer Tom compensated work at its Manchester location.

Responding to Waitrose's U-turn, Frances stated: "We are going to consider the offer and choose whether it is in the optimal outcome for Tom to resume working... and are having ongoing talks with Waitrose."

'Conducting an inquiry'

A representative for the retailer stated: "We'd like to welcome Tom back, in compensated work, and are seeking support from his family and the charity to make this happen."

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

"We are committed about helping workers into the job market who might usually not be provided employment."

"Therefore, we warmly welcomed Tom and his support worker into our Cheadle Hulme branch to learn the ropes and build his confidence."

"We have guidelines in place to support volunteering, and are investigating the situation in Tom's situation."

Tom's mother said she had been "deeply moved" by how people had answered to her talking about her family's story.

Tom, who has challenges with communication, was praised for his work ethic by supervisors.

"He contributed over 600 hours of his effort solely because he sought inclusion, be helpful, and have an impact," stated his mum.

Tom's mother recognized and acknowledged employees at the local supermarket for assisting him, adding: "They welcomed him and were exceptionally supportive."

"I believe he was just flying under the radar - everything was working well until it reached corporate level."

The family have been endorsed by regional leader Andy Burnham.

He posted on X that Tom had received "truly terrible" management and promised to "assist him to identify different opportunities that functions".

Burnham stated the Greater Manchester Combined Authority "strongly urges every business - like Waitrose - to sign up to our newly established inclusion initiative".

Conversing with Tom's mother, who announced of Tom's Asda job offer on media outlets, the public figure commented: "Congratulations for raising awareness because we require a major education initiative here."

She agreed to his invitation to serve as a representative for the initiative.