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The grocery retailer has overturned its ruling not to provide compensated employment to an neurodivergent person after previously stating he had to stop volunteering at the location where he had donated his time for four years.

In July, the young man's parent requested whether her 28-year-old son Tom Boyd could be provided a position at the grocery store in Greater Manchester, but her proposal was ultimately declined by the company's corporate office.

On Thursday, rival chain Asda said it was interested in providing Tom compensated work at its local branch.

Addressing Waitrose's U-turn, Frances said: "We are going to evaluate the situation and decide whether it is in Tom's best interests to go back... and are having further discussions with Waitrose."

'We are investigating'

A representative for the retailer stated: "We'd like to welcome Tom back, in a paying position, and are working closely from his family and the support organization to do so."

"We hope to have him return with us shortly."

"We care deeply about assisting workers into the employment who might typically not be given a chance."

"Consequently, we enthusiastically received Tom and his care assistant into our Cheadle Hulme branch to gain experience and develop his abilities."

"We have procedures in place to facilitate unpaid work, and are examining the circumstances in this instance."

Frances explained she had been "profoundly affected" by how the public had responded to her sharing her family's story.

Tom, who has limited communication skills, was commended for his work ethic by store leadership.

"He donated extensive time of his time solely because he desired community connection, be helpful, and make a difference," stated his mother.

The parent commended and appreciated staff at the Manchester branch for assisting him, stating: "They welcomed him and were exceptionally supportive."

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

Tom and his mum have been backed by regional leader Andy Burnham.

He posted on X that Tom had received "truly terrible" handling and promised to "help him to identify different opportunities that succeeds".

Burnham declared the local government body "actively promotes all employers - like Waitrose - to sign up to our newly established diversity program".

Speaking with the parent, who shared information of the alternative position on BBC Radio Manchester, the Labour mayor stated: "Good on you for bringing attention because we need a significant public information effort here."

She accepted his proposal to act as a spokesperson for the program.