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Waitrose has changed its ruling not to grant a paying position to an neurodivergent person after previously stating he had to stop working at the location where he had donated his time for four years.

During the summer, Frances Boyd inquired whether her 28-year-old son the individual could be given a position at the retail establishment in Greater Manchester, but her request was finally turned down by Waitrose head office.

This week, competing supermarket the grocery chain said it sought to give Tom employment hours at its Cheadle Hulme store.

Addressing the company's change of position, Frances said: "We are going to think about it and decide whether it is in Tom's best interests to return... and are having ongoing talks with Waitrose."

'We are investigating'

A official for the supermarket chain said: "We'd like to see Tom resume, in paid employment, and are seeking support from his relatives and the non-profit to make this happen."

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

"We place great importance about helping people into the job market who might usually not be given a chance."

"Therefore, we gladly accepted Tom and his support worker into our Cheadle Hulme branch to learn the ropes and enhance his self-assurance."

"We have procedures in place to facilitate volunteering, and are examining the circumstances in this case."

Frances said she had been "overwhelmed" by how the public had answered to her talking about her child's situation.

Tom, who has challenges with communication, was recognized for his work ethic by store leadership.

"He donated more than six hundred hours of his effort solely because he sought inclusion, be helpful, and create value," commented his mother.

The parent commended and appreciated team members at Waitrose's Cheadle Hulme store for helping him, adding: "They welcomed him and were absolutely brilliant."

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

Tom and his mum have been backed by Greater Manchester mayor the mayor.

He posted on online platforms that Tom had received "completely unacceptable" management and vowed to "help him to secure alternative employment that functions".

The mayor said the local government body "strongly urges all employers - such as Waitrose - to sign up to our newly established diversity program".

Discussing with Frances, who shared information of Tom's Asda job offer on local radio, the public figure commented: "Good on you for highlighting the issue because we must have a significant public information effort here."

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