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The supermarket has overturned its determination not to provide a paying position to an neurodivergent person after initially saying he had to discontinue working at the branch where he had volunteered for several years.

During the summer, Frances Boyd asked whether her family member her son could be provided a job at the retail establishment in the Manchester area, but her request was eventually rejected by the company's corporate office.

On Thursday, competing supermarket Asda said it was interested in providing Tom compensated work at its Cheadle Hulme store.

Responding to the supermarket's reversal, Frances stated: "We are going to consider the offer and choose whether it is in what's best for our son to return... and are having further discussions with the company."

'We are investigating'

A representative for the supermarket chain said: "We'd like to have Tom return, in compensated work, and are requesting assistance from his loved ones and the support organization to make this happen."

"We expect to welcome him again with us shortly."

"We care deeply about assisting individuals into the job market who might otherwise not be given a chance."

"Therefore, we gladly accepted Tom and his support worker into our local store to build skills and enhance his self-assurance."

"We have procedures in place to support volunteering, and are reviewing the circumstances in Tom's situation."

The parent explained she had been "deeply moved" by how individuals had answered to her talking about her family's story.

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

"He gave extensive time of his time purely because he wanted to belong, be helpful, and make a difference," said his mum.

Frances praised and thanked team members at the local supermarket for helping him, stating: "They made him part of the team and were exceptionally supportive."

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

The family have been supported by regional leader the mayor.

He posted on X that Tom had received "completely unacceptable" treatment and committed to "assist him to secure alternative employment that functions".

The mayor said the local government body "would encourage each company - including Waitrose - to sign up to our newly established Bee Neuroinclusive Code of Practice".

Speaking with Tom's mother, who broke the news of the employment opportunity on media outlets, the public figure stated: "Well done for highlighting the issue because we need a major education initiative here."

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