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Waitrose has changed its decision not to provide compensated employment to an neurodivergent person after initially saying he had to cease working at the branch where he had worked unpaid for several years.

During the summer, the young man's parent asked whether her 28-year-old son the individual could be provided a employment opportunity at the retail establishment in the Manchester area, but her request was eventually rejected by the supermarket's headquarters.

On Thursday, competing supermarket the grocery chain said it sought to give Tom compensated work at its Cheadle Hulme store.

Responding to the company's change of position, Frances stated: "We are going to evaluate the situation and choose whether it is in what's best for our son to go back... and are having additional conversations with Waitrose."

'Looking into the matter'

A representative for Waitrose said: "We'd like to have Tom return, in compensated work, and are requesting assistance from his family and the charity to make this happen."

"We expect to have him return with us very soon."

"We care deeply about supporting individuals into the employment who might otherwise not be offered opportunities."

"Consequently, we gladly accepted Tom and his support worker into our local store to learn the ropes and enhance his self-assurance."

"We have procedures in place to enable community service, and are reviewing the circumstances in this instance."

Frances said she had been "deeply moved" by how individuals had answered to her sharing her family's story.

The individual, who has challenges with communication, was praised for his commitment by store leadership.

"He contributed extensive time of his energy exclusively because he desired community connection, make a difference, and make a difference," commented his parent.

Tom's mother praised and thanked team members at the Manchester branch for assisting him, noting: "They made him part of the team and were wonderfully accommodating."

"I feel he was just not sufficiently noticed - operations were proceeding normally until it became a headquarters matter."

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

He wrote on social media that Tom had received "deeply concerning" handling and vowed to "support him to identify different opportunities that succeeds".

The mayor said the regional organization "would encourage all employers - including Waitrose - to register to our brand new inclusion initiative".

Discussing with the parent, who announced of Tom's Asda job offer on media outlets, the Labour mayor commented: "Well done for bringing attention because we require a huge awareness campaign here."

She accepted his offer to serve as a representative for the campaign.