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The grocery retailer has changed its ruling not to grant a paying position to an neurodivergent person after originally indicating he had to discontinue working at the branch where he had worked unpaid for several years.

During the summer, Frances Boyd asked whether her family member the individual could be offered a employment opportunity at the supermarket in Cheadle Hulme, but her proposal was ultimately declined by Waitrose head office.

On Thursday, alternative retailer the grocery chain said it wanted to offer Tom employment hours at its Manchester location.

Reacting to the company's change of position, Tom's mother said: "We are going to consider the offer and determine whether it is in the optimal outcome for Tom to go back... and are having ongoing talks with Waitrose."

'Conducting an inquiry'

A official for Waitrose said: "We'd like to welcome Tom back, in a paying position, and are seeking support from his loved ones and the charity to do so."

"We expect to see him back with us shortly."

"We care deeply about assisting workers into the employment who might typically not be given a chance."

"Therefore, we enthusiastically received Tom and his care assistant into our Manchester location to learn the ropes and enhance his self-assurance."

"We have policies in place to facilitate unpaid work, and are reviewing what's happened in this instance."

The parent stated she had been "profoundly affected" by how people had responded to her talking about her family's story.

Tom, who has specific communication needs, was commended for his work ethic by store leadership.

"He contributed more than six hundred hours of his time solely because he desired community connection, contribute, and create value," commented his mum.

Frances commended and appreciated employees at Waitrose's Cheadle Hulme store for supporting him, adding: "They welcomed him and were absolutely brilliant."

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

Tom and his mum have been backed by local official the public figure.

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

The official stated the regional organization "would encourage all employers - like Waitrose - to register to our brand new inclusion initiative".

Discussing with Frances, who broke the news of Tom's Asda job offer on BBC Radio Manchester, the elected official said: "Good on you for bringing attention because we must have a huge awareness campaign here."

She consented to his proposal to serve as a representative for the initiative.