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The supermarket has overturned its determination not to provide paid work to an neurodivergent person after initially saying he had to stop volunteering at the branch where he had worked unpaid for an extended period.

In July, Tom's mother inquired whether her adult child her son could be given a position at the supermarket in Cheadle Hulme, but her request was eventually rejected by the company's corporate office.

On Thursday, alternative retailer Asda announced it sought to give Tom employment hours at its Cheadle Hulme store.

Addressing Waitrose's U-turn, Frances said: "We are going to consider the offer and choose whether it is in Tom's best interests to return... and are having further discussions with the company."

'We are investigating'

A representative for Waitrose stated: "We'd like to welcome Tom back, in a paying position, and are working closely from his family and the charity to facilitate this."

"We hope to welcome him again with us very soon."

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

"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 unpaid work, and are examining the situation in this instance."

Frances said she had been "overwhelmed" by how the public had reacted to her discussing her family's story.

The young man, who has limited communication skills, was praised for his dedication by store leadership.

"He contributed more than six hundred hours of his effort purely because he wanted to belong, be helpful, and have an impact," said his mum.

The parent recognized and acknowledged team members at Waitrose's Cheadle Hulme store for helping him, adding: "They made him part of the team and were absolutely brilliant."

"I feel he was just flying under the radar - operations were proceeding normally until it reached corporate level."

Both individuals have been supported by regional leader the public figure.

He stated on social media that Tom had received "completely unacceptable" handling and promised to "assist him to secure alternative employment that works".

The official declared the regional organization "actively promotes every business - like Waitrose - to register to our recently launched diversity program".

Speaking with Tom's mother, who broke the news of the employment opportunity on BBC Radio Manchester, the public figure commented: "Congratulations for highlighting the issue because we require a significant public information effort here."

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