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The grocery retailer has overturned its ruling not to provide a paying position to an neurodivergent person after originally indicating he had to discontinue volunteering at the location where he had volunteered for an extended period.

Earlier this year, the young man's parent asked whether her family member the individual could be given a position at the grocery store in Cheadle Hulme, but her application was finally turned down by the supermarket's headquarters.

This week, competing supermarket the grocery chain stated it was interested in providing Tom paid shifts at its local branch.

Addressing Waitrose's U-turn, Frances commented: "We are going to think about it and choose whether it is in what's best for our son to resume working... and are having additional conversations with the company."

'We are investigating'

A official for Waitrose commented: "We'd like to see Tom resume, in a paying position, and are seeking support from his family and the support organization to make this happen."

"We expect to see him back with us very soon."

"We place great importance about assisting people into the job market who might usually not be provided employment."

"Consequently, we gladly accepted Tom and his support worker into our Manchester location to learn the ropes and develop his abilities."

"We have procedures in place to facilitate community service, and are investigating what's happened in Tom's situation."

Tom's mother said she had been "deeply moved" by how people had answered to her sharing her son's experiences.

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

"He contributed extensive time of his time solely because he wanted to belong, be helpful, and make a difference," stated his parent.

Frances commended and appreciated team members at Waitrose's Cheadle Hulme store for assisting him, noting: "They made him part of the team and were wonderfully accommodating."

"I feel he was just flying under the radar - operations were proceeding normally until it reached corporate level."

Tom and his mum have been endorsed by regional leader Andy Burnham.

He posted on social media that Tom had received "completely unacceptable" treatment and vowed to "support him to find another placement that works".

The official said the regional organization "would encourage each company - including Waitrose - to participate to our brand new diversity program".

Conversing with Tom's mother, who announced of Tom's Asda job offer on local radio, the elected official commented: "Well done for raising awareness because we need a significant public information effort here."

She consented to his invitation to act as a spokesperson for the program.