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The grocery retailer has changed its decision not to provide paid work to an neurodivergent person after previously stating he had to cease stacking shelves at the branch where he had volunteered for an extended period.

Earlier this year, Frances Boyd asked whether her family member the individual could be offered a position at the supermarket in Greater Manchester, but her application was eventually rejected by the company's corporate office.

This week, rival chain the grocery chain stated it sought to give Tom paid shifts at its local branch.

Responding to Waitrose's U-turn, the parent said: "We are going to think about it and choose whether it is in the optimal outcome for Tom to go back... and are having further discussions with the company."

'Looking into the matter'

A spokesman for the retailer said: "We'd like to welcome Tom back, in compensated work, and are requesting assistance from his loved ones and the support organization to do so."

"We expect to welcome him again with us in the near future."

"We are committed about helping workers into the job market who might usually not be offered opportunities."

"As such, we gladly accepted Tom and his care assistant into our local store to build skills and enhance his self-assurance."

"We have policies in place to enable unpaid work, and are examining the circumstances in this case."

Tom's mother said she had been "overwhelmed" by how the public had reacted to her discussing her child's situation.

Tom, who has limited communication skills, was praised for his work ethic by managers.

"He contributed more than six hundred hours of his effort exclusively because he desired community connection, contribute, and create value," stated his mother.

Tom's mother praised and thanked team members at the Manchester branch for assisting him, stating: "They welcomed him and were exceptionally supportive."

"I believe he was just under the radar - operations were proceeding normally until it went to head office."

The family have been supported by Greater Manchester mayor the mayor.

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

Burnham stated the regional organization "would encourage all employers - including Waitrose - to register to our brand new Bee Neuroinclusive Code of Practice".

Conversing with Tom's mother, who broke the news of the employment opportunity on BBC Radio Manchester, the public figure commented: "Well done for bringing attention because we need a huge awareness campaign here."

She consented to his proposal to act as a spokesperson for the campaign.