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Waitrose has overturned its determination not to offer compensated employment to an neurodivergent person after initially saying he had to discontinue working at the branch where he had volunteered for an extended period.

Earlier this year, Frances Boyd inquired whether her 28-year-old son Tom Boyd could be given a job at the supermarket in Cheadle Hulme, but her request was ultimately declined by the supermarket's headquarters.

On Thursday, competing supermarket the grocery chain announced it wanted to offer Tom compensated work at its Cheadle Hulme store.

Addressing Waitrose's U-turn, Tom's mother said: "We are going to evaluate the situation and determine whether it is in what's best for our son to go back... and are having further discussions with the company."

'Looking into the matter'

A representative for Waitrose commented: "We'd like to welcome Tom back, in paid employment, and are requesting assistance from his relatives and the non-profit to make this happen."

"We hope to see him back with us very soon."

"We place great importance about assisting individuals into the job market who might usually not be offered opportunities."

"Therefore, we enthusiastically received Tom and his care assistant into our Cheadle Hulme branch to build skills and build his confidence."

"We have policies in place to facilitate unpaid work, and are investigating what's happened in Tom's situation."

Tom's mother said she had been "overwhelmed" by how the public had responded to her sharing her family's story.

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

"He donated extensive time of his energy exclusively because he sought inclusion, contribute, and create value," said his mother.

Tom's mother praised and thanked employees at Waitrose's Cheadle Hulme store for supporting him, adding: "They included him and were exceptionally supportive."

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

Both individuals have been supported by Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham.

He stated on online platforms that Tom had received "completely unacceptable" management and committed to "support him to find another placement that functions".

The mayor declared the local government body "strongly urges each company - like Waitrose - to sign up to our recently launched inclusion initiative".

Conversing with Tom's mother, who announced of Tom's Asda job offer on local radio, the elected official said: "Congratulations for bringing attention because we need a major education initiative here."

She agreed to his proposal to become an advocate for the campaign.