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Waitrose has overturned its determination not to grant a paying position to an neurodivergent person after previously stating he had to discontinue working at the branch where he had volunteered for an extended period.

During the summer, Frances Boyd asked whether her adult child her son could be offered a position at the supermarket in Cheadle Hulme, but her proposal was eventually rejected by Waitrose head office.

On Thursday, alternative retailer the grocery chain said it sought to give Tom paid shifts at its local branch.

Addressing Waitrose's U-turn, the parent said: "We are going to evaluate the situation and decide whether it is in what's best for our son to resume working... and are having further discussions with the company."

'Looking into the matter'

A representative for the supermarket chain said: "We'd like to welcome Tom back, in compensated work, and are working closely from his relatives and the non-profit to make this happen."

"We expect to welcome him again with us very soon."

"We care deeply about assisting individuals into the employment who might usually not be given a chance."

"As such, we enthusiastically received Tom and his support worker into our Manchester location to build skills and develop his abilities."

"We have guidelines in place to enable unpaid work, and are examining the circumstances in Tom's situation."

The parent said she had been "overwhelmed" by how the public had reacted to her talking about her family's story.

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

"He gave more than six hundred hours of his effort exclusively because he desired community connection, contribute, and make a difference," stated his parent.

Frances praised and thanked employees at the local supermarket for assisting him, stating: "They included him and were exceptionally supportive."

"I feel he was just under the radar - all was running smoothly until it reached corporate level."

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

He wrote on X that Tom had received "completely unacceptable" treatment and promised to "assist him to secure alternative employment that functions".

Burnham said the regional organization "actively promotes each company - including Waitrose - to sign up to our brand new Bee Neuroinclusive Code of Practice".

Speaking with Frances, who shared information of the alternative position on media outlets, the public figure stated: "Congratulations for raising awareness because we must have a huge awareness campaign here."

She consented to his proposal to become an advocate for the initiative.