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The grocery retailer has reversed its ruling not to offer paid work to an neurodivergent person after initially saying he had to discontinue working at the location where he had worked unpaid for an extended period.

Earlier this year, Tom's mother inquired whether her adult child the individual could be offered a job at the grocery store in Cheadle Hulme, but her application was finally turned down by the company's corporate office.

This week, alternative retailer the grocery chain stated it was interested in providing Tom paid shifts at its Manchester location.

Addressing Waitrose's U-turn, Tom's mother stated: "We are going to consider the offer and choose whether it is in the optimal outcome for Tom to return... and are having further discussions with the company."

'Looking into the matter'

A official for the supermarket chain said: "We'd like to have Tom return, in paid employment, and are requesting assistance from his loved ones and the support organization to do so."

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

"We are committed about assisting people into the workplace who might typically not be offered opportunities."

"Therefore, we warmly welcomed Tom and his care assistant into our Manchester location to build skills and develop his abilities."

"We have procedures in place to support volunteering, and are examining the situation in Tom's situation."

Frances said she had been "overwhelmed" by how individuals had reacted to her sharing her family's story.

The young man, who has limited communication skills, was praised for his work ethic by supervisors.

"He donated extensive time of his time exclusively because he wanted to belong, contribute, and have an impact," commented his mum.

The parent praised and thanked employees at the Manchester branch for helping him, adding: "They welcomed him and were wonderfully accommodating."

"I feel he was just not sufficiently noticed - operations were proceeding normally until it reached corporate level."

The family have been backed by regional leader the mayor.

He stated on online platforms that Tom had received "completely unacceptable" handling and vowed to "help him to identify different opportunities that functions".

The mayor stated the regional organization "strongly urges each company - such as Waitrose - to participate to our brand new diversity program".

Speaking with Frances, who announced of Tom's Asda job offer on media outlets, the Labour mayor stated: "Good on you for highlighting the issue because we need a significant public information effort here."

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