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The grocery retailer has changed its ruling not to provide a paying position to an neurodivergent person after previously stating he had to discontinue volunteering at the store where he had worked unpaid for an extended period.

During the summer, Tom's mother requested whether her family member the individual could be given a position at the grocery store in the Manchester area, but her request was eventually rejected by the company's corporate office.

On Thursday, alternative retailer the grocery chain stated it sought to give Tom paid shifts at its Cheadle Hulme store.

Addressing the company's change of position, the parent said: "We are going to evaluate the situation and choose whether it is in the optimal outcome for Tom to go back... and are having additional conversations with Waitrose."

'We are investigating'

A representative for the retailer said: "We'd like to have Tom return, in paid employment, and are requesting assistance from his loved ones and the charity to make this happen."

"We expect to have him return with us shortly."

"We place great importance about assisting workers into the job market who might usually not be offered opportunities."

"As such, we gladly accepted Tom and his care assistant into our Cheadle Hulme branch to learn the ropes and build his confidence."

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

Frances explained she had been "overwhelmed" by how the public had responded to her sharing her child's situation.

Tom, who has challenges with communication, was praised for his commitment by managers.

"He donated more than six hundred hours of his time solely because he wanted to belong, make a difference, and make a difference," said his mother.

The parent praised and thanked team members at the local supermarket 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 reached corporate level."

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

He wrote on social media that Tom had received "truly terrible" treatment and committed to "help him to secure alternative employment that works".

The mayor stated the regional organization "strongly urges every business - including Waitrose - to sign up to our recently launched diversity program".

Speaking with the parent, who broke the news of the alternative position on media outlets, the Labour mayor commented: "Well done for bringing attention because we must have a major education initiative here."

She accepted his invitation to serve as a representative for the program.