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The supermarket has overturned its decision not to grant a paying position to an neurodivergent person after previously stating he had to discontinue stacking shelves at the store where he had volunteered for several years.

Earlier this year, the young man's parent inquired whether her adult child Tom Boyd could be given a employment opportunity at the retail establishment in Greater Manchester, but her request was finally turned down by Waitrose head office.

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

Addressing the company's change of position, Tom's mother said: "We are going to consider the offer and determine whether it is in what's best for our son to return... and are having additional conversations with the company."

'Conducting an inquiry'

A representative for the retailer stated: "We'd like to have Tom return, in paid employment, and are working closely from his relatives and the charity to do so."

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

"We place great importance about supporting people into the employment who might typically not be provided employment."

"Therefore, we enthusiastically received Tom and his care assistant into our local store to build skills and build his confidence."

"We have policies in place to facilitate community service, and are investigating what's happened in this instance."

Frances said she had been "profoundly affected" by how the public had responded to her discussing her family's story.

Tom, who has specific communication needs, was recognized for his dedication by store leadership.

"He gave more than six hundred hours of his energy solely because he wanted to belong, be helpful, and create value," commented his mum.

Frances commended and appreciated staff at Waitrose's Cheadle Hulme store for assisting him, stating: "They welcomed him and were wonderfully accommodating."

"I feel he was just flying under the radar - everything was working well until it reached corporate level."

Tom and his mum have been supported by regional leader the mayor.

He stated on online platforms that Tom had received "truly terrible" treatment and promised to "help him to secure alternative employment that functions".

The mayor said the regional organization "would encourage each company - including Waitrose - to participate to our recently launched Bee Neuroinclusive Code of Practice".

Speaking with Frances, who broke the news of the alternative position on local radio, the elected official said: "Congratulations for raising awareness because we require a huge awareness campaign here."

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