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The supermarket has changed its ruling not to grant a paying position to an neurodivergent person after initially saying he had to cease stacking shelves at the store where he had volunteered for an extended period.

In July, Frances Boyd requested whether her adult child the individual could be provided a job at the supermarket in Cheadle Hulme, but her application was ultimately declined by the company's corporate office.

This week, rival chain Asda said it was interested in providing Tom employment hours at its Manchester location.

Reacting to Waitrose's U-turn, Tom's mother commented: "We are going to evaluate the situation and decide whether it is in what's best for our son to return... and are having additional conversations with Waitrose."

'We are investigating'

A representative for the supermarket chain commented: "We'd like to see Tom resume, in a paying position, and are working closely from his relatives and the charity to facilitate this."

"We expect to have him return with us very soon."

"We care deeply about helping workers into the employment who might otherwise not be provided employment."

"Consequently, we gladly accepted Tom and his care assistant into our Manchester location to learn the ropes and build his confidence."

"We have guidelines in place to enable volunteering, and are investigating the situation in this instance."

Tom's mother explained she had been "profoundly affected" by how people had reacted to her sharing her family's story.

Tom, who has challenges with communication, was commended for his commitment by supervisors.

"He donated over 600 hours of his effort exclusively because he sought inclusion, make a difference, and have an impact," commented his parent.

Tom's mother praised and thanked staff at the Manchester branch for assisting him, adding: "They included him and were absolutely brilliant."

"I think he was just flying under the radar - operations were proceeding normally until it reached corporate level."

Both individuals have been supported by local official the mayor.

He posted on X that Tom had received "deeply concerning" handling and committed to "support him to identify different opportunities that functions".

The mayor declared the regional organization "would encourage each company - such as Waitrose - to sign up to our newly established diversity program".

Speaking with Tom's mother, who announced of the employment opportunity on media outlets, the Labour mayor said: "Congratulations for bringing attention because we require a major education initiative here."

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