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The supermarket has overturned its decision not to grant paid work to an neurodivergent person after previously stating he had to stop volunteering at the location where he had volunteered for several years.

In July, Frances Boyd requested whether her adult child the individual could be offered a job at the supermarket in Greater Manchester, but her proposal was eventually rejected by the company's corporate office.

On Thursday, alternative retailer the grocery chain announced it wanted to offer Tom paid shifts at its Cheadle Hulme store.

Responding to the supermarket's reversal, the parent stated: "We are going to evaluate the situation and decide whether it is in Tom's best interests to go back... and are having additional conversations with the company."

'We are investigating'

A spokesman for Waitrose commented: "We'd like to welcome Tom back, in compensated work, and are requesting assistance from his relatives and the non-profit to do so."

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

"We care deeply about assisting individuals into the employment who might otherwise not be offered opportunities."

"As such, we enthusiastically received Tom and his support worker into our local store to build skills and develop his abilities."

"We have procedures in place to support community service, and are investigating the circumstances in this instance."

Frances explained she had been "profoundly affected" by how individuals had answered to her discussing her son's experiences.

The individual, who has limited communication skills, was praised for his work ethic by store leadership.

"He contributed extensive time of his energy solely because he sought inclusion, make a difference, and make a difference," stated his parent.

Tom's mother praised and thanked employees at Waitrose's Cheadle Hulme store for assisting him, adding: "They made him part of the team and were absolutely brilliant."

"I feel he was just not sufficiently noticed - all was running smoothly until it became a headquarters matter."

Both individuals have been supported by local official the mayor.

He stated on online platforms that Tom had received "completely unacceptable" handling and promised to "assist him to identify different opportunities that succeeds".

The mayor stated the Greater Manchester Combined Authority "would encourage every business - such as Waitrose - to sign up to our newly established Bee Neuroinclusive Code of Practice".

Discussing with the parent, who broke the news of the alternative position on media outlets, the Labour mayor stated: "Congratulations for raising awareness because we need a significant public information effort here."

She accepted his offer to become an advocate for the initiative.