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The supermarket has changed its determination not to grant a paying position to an neurodivergent person after previously stating he had to discontinue stacking shelves at the location where he had donated his time for four years.

In July, the young man's parent requested whether her family member the individual could be provided a position at the grocery store in Cheadle Hulme, but her proposal was finally turned down by Waitrose head office.

On Thursday, rival chain the grocery chain stated it sought to give Tom compensated work at its Cheadle Hulme store.

Reacting to the company's change of position, Tom's mother commented: "We are going to evaluate the situation and decide whether it is in what's best for our son to go back... and are having additional conversations with the supermarket."

'We are investigating'

A spokesman for the retailer said: "We'd like to have Tom return, in paid employment, and are requesting assistance from his loved ones and the charity to do so."

"We anticipate to see him back with us shortly."

"We place great importance about assisting workers into the job market who might typically not be provided employment."

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

"We have guidelines in place to enable volunteering, and are reviewing the circumstances in this case."

The parent said she had been "overwhelmed" by how individuals had reacted to her talking about her son's experiences.

The individual, who has challenges with communication, was commended for his work ethic by managers.

"He contributed more than six hundred hours of his effort solely because he sought inclusion, make a difference, and have an impact," said his mum.

The parent recognized and acknowledged team members at Waitrose's Cheadle Hulme store for supporting him, noting: "They made him part of the team and were absolutely brilliant."

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

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

He stated on X that Tom had received "deeply concerning" handling and committed to "help him to secure alternative employment that succeeds".

The mayor said the regional organization "would encourage every business - such as Waitrose - to register to our brand new diversity program".

Discussing with Tom's mother, who shared information of the employment opportunity on BBC Radio Manchester, the elected official commented: "Well done for highlighting the issue because we require a significant public information effort here."

She consented to his offer to serve as a representative for the campaign.