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Waitrose has changed its ruling not to grant paid work to an neurodivergent person after previously stating he had to cease working at the location where he had volunteered for four years.

In July, Frances Boyd asked whether her family member Tom Boyd could be offered a job at the grocery store in the Manchester area, but her application was eventually rejected by the company's corporate office.

This week, competing supermarket Asda announced it sought to give Tom paid shifts at its Manchester location.

Addressing the company's change of position, the parent stated: "We are going to consider the offer and determine whether it is in what's best for our son to resume working... and are having further discussions with Waitrose."

'We are investigating'

A representative for Waitrose said: "We'd like to see Tom resume, in paid employment, and are working closely from his family and the charity to do so."

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

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

"Therefore, we gladly accepted Tom and his helper into our Cheadle Hulme branch to learn the ropes and enhance his self-assurance."

"We have policies in place to support unpaid work, and are reviewing the situation in Tom's situation."

Frances stated she had been "profoundly affected" by how individuals had responded to her discussing her child's situation.

The young man, who has limited communication skills, was recognized for his commitment by managers.

"He contributed more than six hundred hours of his time solely because he wanted to belong, make a difference, and create value," said his mum.

Frances recognized and acknowledged employees at the local supermarket for helping him, adding: "They made him part of the team and were absolutely brilliant."

"I feel he was just under the radar - everything was working well until it went to head office."

Both individuals have been backed by Greater Manchester mayor the public figure.

He stated on social media that Tom had received "completely unacceptable" treatment and vowed to "help him to secure alternative employment that succeeds".

The mayor said the Greater Manchester Combined Authority "strongly urges all employers - such as Waitrose - to sign up to our recently launched Bee Neuroinclusive Code of Practice".

Speaking with the parent, who announced of the alternative position on media outlets, the elected official commented: "Good on you for bringing attention because we require a major education initiative here."

She consented to his invitation to become an advocate for the campaign.