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The supermarket has overturned its determination not to offer compensated employment to an neurodivergent person after initially saying he had to cease volunteering at the location where he had donated his time for several years.

Earlier this year, the young man's parent inquired whether her family member the individual could be given a job at the retail establishment in the Manchester area, but her proposal was finally turned down by the company's corporate office.

Recently, competing supermarket Asda announced it wanted to offer Tom employment hours at its local branch.

Responding to the company's change of position, Frances said: "We are going to consider the offer and determine 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 Waitrose said: "We'd like to see Tom resume, in paid employment, and are seeking support from his loved ones and the non-profit to facilitate this."

"We expect to have him return with us in the near future."

"We care deeply about assisting individuals into the job market who might otherwise not be offered opportunities."

"Consequently, we warmly welcomed Tom and his support worker into our Manchester location to build skills and enhance his self-assurance."

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

Frances explained she had been "overwhelmed" by how individuals had responded to her talking about her family's story.

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

"He contributed more than six hundred hours of his time purely because he desired community connection, contribute, and create value," commented his parent.

Tom's mother commended and appreciated employees at the Manchester branch for helping him, adding: "They included him and were exceptionally supportive."

"I think he was just flying under the radar - all was running smoothly until it reached corporate level."

The family have been backed by local official Andy Burnham.

He stated on X that Tom had received "completely unacceptable" treatment and promised to "assist him to identify different opportunities that works".

Burnham stated the local government body "actively promotes every business - including Waitrose - to participate to our newly established inclusion initiative".

Discussing with Frances, who announced of Tom's Asda job offer on local radio, the public figure stated: "Congratulations for raising awareness because we require a huge awareness campaign here."

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