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The grocery retailer has overturned its determination not to offer a paying position to an neurodivergent person after previously stating he had to cease working at the location where he had volunteered for four years.

Earlier this year, Frances Boyd inquired whether her family member her son could be offered a employment opportunity at the supermarket in Greater Manchester, but her request was ultimately declined by Waitrose head office.

Recently, rival chain the grocery chain announced it wanted to offer Tom paid shifts at its Manchester location.

Reacting to the supermarket's reversal, Frances commented: "We are going to evaluate the situation and choose whether it is in Tom's best interests to return... and are having ongoing talks with the supermarket."

'Looking into the matter'

A representative for Waitrose stated: "We'd like to welcome Tom back, in a paying position, and are requesting assistance from his relatives and the charity to make this happen."

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

"We place great importance about supporting people into the employment who might typically not be given a chance."

"Therefore, we gladly accepted Tom and his helper into our Manchester location to build skills and build his confidence."

"We have guidelines in place to support unpaid work, and are reviewing the situation in this instance."

The parent said she had been "deeply moved" by how the public had responded to her discussing her son's experiences.

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

"He gave over 600 hours of his effort purely because he wanted to belong, be helpful, and create value," stated his parent.

Tom's mother praised and thanked staff at the local supermarket for helping him, noting: "They welcomed him and were absolutely brilliant."

"I feel he was just under the radar - everything was working well until it became a headquarters matter."

Both individuals have been backed by regional leader the public figure.

He wrote on online platforms that Tom had received "truly terrible" handling and vowed to "assist him to identify different opportunities that succeeds".

Burnham stated the Greater Manchester Combined Authority "would encourage all employers - including Waitrose - to register to our recently launched diversity program".

Discussing with Tom's mother, who broke the news of the alternative position on local radio, the elected official said: "Good on you for bringing attention because we must have a significant public information effort here."

She accepted his invitation to act as a spokesperson for the initiative.