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Waitrose has changed its determination not to provide paid work to an neurodivergent person after originally indicating he had to discontinue working at the store where he had donated his time for four years.

During the summer, the young man's parent requested whether her 28-year-old son the individual could be provided a employment opportunity at the supermarket in the Manchester area, but her request was ultimately declined by the supermarket's headquarters.

Recently, competing supermarket the grocery chain said it wanted to offer Tom employment hours at its local branch.

Reacting to the supermarket's reversal, Frances said: "We are going to think about it and choose whether it is in the optimal outcome for Tom to go back... and are having further discussions with the company."

'We are investigating'

A spokesman for Waitrose said: "We'd like to welcome Tom back, in a paying position, and are working closely from his family and the support organization to make this happen."

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

"We are committed about assisting individuals into the job market who might usually not be provided employment."

"Consequently, we enthusiastically received Tom and his care assistant into our local store to gain experience and enhance his self-assurance."

"We have guidelines in place to facilitate community service, and are investigating what's happened in Tom's situation."

Frances explained she had been "deeply moved" by how the public had reacted to her talking about her son's experiences.

The young man, who has challenges with communication, was recognized for his dedication by managers.

"He contributed more than six hundred hours of his energy purely because he wanted to belong, be helpful, and have an impact," stated his mum.

Tom's mother recognized and acknowledged staff at Waitrose's Cheadle Hulme store for supporting him, stating: "They made him part of the team and were absolutely brilliant."

"I feel he was just not sufficiently noticed - operations were proceeding normally until it became a headquarters matter."

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

He posted on X that Tom had received "deeply concerning" management and vowed to "support him to secure alternative employment that succeeds".

The mayor said the local government body "actively promotes each company - including Waitrose - to register to our brand new Bee Neuroinclusive Code of Practice".

Discussing with the parent, who broke the news of the employment opportunity on media outlets, the elected official stated: "Congratulations for bringing attention because we require a huge awareness campaign here."

She consented to his offer to become an advocate for the campaign.