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Waitrose has overturned its decision not to provide paid work to an neurodivergent person after previously stating he had to stop volunteering at the store where he had worked unpaid for four years.

Earlier this year, the young man's parent requested whether her 28-year-old son her son could be given a job at the retail establishment in Greater Manchester, but her application was ultimately declined by the company's corporate office.

On Thursday, rival chain Asda stated it was interested in providing Tom employment hours at its Cheadle Hulme store.

Reacting to Waitrose's U-turn, Tom's mother stated: "We are going to think about it and choose whether it is in Tom's best interests to go back... and are having further discussions with the company."

'Looking into the matter'

A spokesman for Waitrose said: "We'd like to see Tom resume, in paid employment, and are working closely from his loved ones and the support organization to make this happen."

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

"We place great importance about assisting workers into the employment who might usually not be given a chance."

"As such, we gladly accepted Tom and his helper into our local store to gain experience and build his confidence."

"We have guidelines in place to enable volunteering, and are investigating what's happened in Tom's situation."

Tom's mother explained she had been "deeply moved" by how individuals had responded to her talking about her son's experiences.

Tom, who has challenges with communication, was commended for his work ethic by supervisors.

"He donated more than six hundred hours of his energy purely because he desired community connection, contribute, and create value," said his parent.

The parent commended and appreciated team members at the local supermarket for helping him, stating: "They made him part of the team and were wonderfully accommodating."

"I believe he was just under the radar - all was running smoothly until it went to head office."

Tom and his mum have been supported by Greater Manchester mayor the public figure.

He wrote on X that Tom had received "completely unacceptable" treatment and committed to "support him to find another placement that succeeds".

Burnham said the local government body "strongly urges every business - including Waitrose - to sign up to our newly established inclusion initiative".

Discussing with Frances, who announced of the alternative position on local radio, the public figure commented: "Congratulations for highlighting the issue because we must have a major education initiative here."

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